Home / BLOG

Enamel Erosion: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Oct 12, 2022

Enamel Erosion: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Did you know that along with ensuring utmost hygiene of the mouth with the use of a smart brush & water flosser, it is equally important to implement the proper technique while doing the same? Tooth enamel is the outer protective layer of the tooth, which is also the hardest tissue in the human body. The enamel protects the dentin i.e. the inner layer of the tooth from damage.

However, if not given proper care, the tooth enamel can wear off, leading to permanent damage. The loss of tooth enamel is known as enamel erosion.

In this blog, we'll talk about the causes, symptoms, and treatment of the erosion of the enamel. Read on to know more!

Causes of Enamel Erosion:

There are several bacteria present in the mouth. After eating, these bacteria feed on sugars to produce acid. The acid then damages the enamel of the teeth. Several food items such as soda, juices, etc contain harsh acids which cause erosion of the enamel over time.

Teeth grinding or Bruxism is another major cause of tooth erosion. The constant friction can wear down the enamel of the tooth, affecting one's oral health in a negative way. It is best to consult your dental professional in case of extreme teeth grinding.

Several health conditions including the ones related to the digestive system can also lead to dental erosion. 

Also, incorrect techniques of brushing can also lead to erosion. Brushing too hard or brushing immediately after eating can cause one's oral health to deteriorate by wearing off the tooth enamel. 

What Are The Symptoms of Erosion of the Enamel?

If your enamel has worn out, chances are that you may suffer from extreme sensitivity or pain while eating something hot or cold. 

One may also experience discoloration of the tooth. This is because once the enamel wears off, the dentin of the teeth becomes exposed and more visible. Since the dentin is naturally yellow in color, the tooth will appear to be more on the yellowish side. 

If the enamel continues to erode, the teeth get weaker. One can experience cracks on the edges of the teeth. The tooth becomes more vulnerable and prone to dental chipping. 

If you experience any discomfort in your teeth or gums, it is always recommended to consult your dentist to address the oral problem at the earliest. 

Treatment and Prevention For Erosion of the Enamel:

Treatment of dental erosion may depend on individual to individual as per the severity of the case. Your dental professional will guide you with the correct treatment and procedure to undertake depending on the overall health of your tooth.

In mild cases, tooth bonding can be used. In this procedure, resin which is a tooth-colored material is applied to the damaged tooth to cover up the discoloration. After hardening, this material gets bonded to the tooth and molded to fit an individual's mouth in the correct way.

In a more severe case, the dental professional may apply a dental crown to the damaged tooth in order to protect it from further decay or damage.

It is ideal to take the necessary steps to prevent dental erosion in the first place. Ensure proper oral hygiene to protect your teeth & gums from several other oral health problems. It is recommended to use an electric toothbrush and a water flosser to ensure absolute cleaning of the teeth, even in the hard-to-reach areas of the mouth. One can find a wide range of products in the market depending on several factors such as water flosser & electric toothbrush price, features, warranty, design, and more.

Along with this, it is recommended to limit sugar consumption and always remember to rinse the mouth with plain water after eating. This will help in removing the leftover food residues from the mouth.

Visit our website for more details on the varying oral care solutions such as dental flosser & electric toothbrush price, features, & more.