One of the common oral issues that affect the mouth is tooth erosion. Acid attack, which can come from a variety of sources, is the main cause of tooth erosion. It’s critical to understand the causes of tooth erosion as well as the treatment, prevention, and other common dental issues.
Dentist in Mindarie will discuss tooth erosion, its causes, and the best ways to treat and prevent it.
What Exactly Is Tooth Erosion?
Tooth erosion is the process of an acid dissolving the enamel and dentine on the surface of a tooth. Tooth structure can be lost in a variety of ways.
Dental erosion caused by food was first observed among Sicilian lemon pickers. If acidic enough, foods and beverages can dissolve tooth structure. Another source of acid that can dissolve teeth is gastric regurgitation. Environmental chemicals in the air could also be a source of corrosive chemicals. While uncommon, some people have saliva that is acidic enough to dissolve exposed dentin surface, which is known as Idiopathic erosion when the cause cannot be determined.
How Can I Tell If I Have Dental Erosion?
Hollows in the teeth and general wear away of the surface of tooth and biting edges are common signs of erosion. This can reveal the dentine beneath the enamel, which is a yellower, darker colour. Your teeth may be more sensitive to cold & heat, as well as acidic foods/drinks because dentine is sensitive.
What Causes Dental Erosion?
Acids are the cause of tooth erosion. It enters the mouth through food, as well as through environmental factors and health issues.
Acids build-up for a long time on the teeth’s surface in people who do not practice good dental hygiene. These acids eat away at tooth enamel over time, causing serious problems. Cavities are a common cause of dental erosion.
1. Consumption of acidic foods in excess: Many foods contain acids, which can contribute to tooth erosion. Fruits, sour juices, wine, coffee, lemonade, vinegar-based products, and others are examples of such products.
2. Problems with the digestive system: Some gastrointestinal diseases, such as gastritis and stomach ulcers and other gastric diseases, can affect the oral microflora and cause erosion of the teeth.
3. Impact on the environment: The inhalation of small particles and their ingress into a person’s oral cavity can be aided by a polluted environment with acidic substances, affecting the formation of tooth erosion.
How Can Tooth Erosion Be Treated?
It is not always necessary to treat dental erosion. The dental team can prevent the problem from worsening and the erosion from progressing further with regular check-ups and advice. If a tooth requires treatment, it is critical to protect the enamel and dentine beneath it to avoid sensitivity.
How Much Will The Treatment Cost?
The treatment’s cost varies depending on the type of treatment you require.
Before beginning treatment, it is critical to discuss all treatment options with your dental team and obtain a written cost estimate.
How To Prevent Dental Erosion?
Below are the things you can do to prevent dental erosion:
- Only consume acidic foods and beverages at mealtimes. Acid attacks on your teeth will be reduced as a result of this.
- Drink it fast and without swishing it around. You can also use a straw to move liquids to the back of your mouth.
- Eat cheese or milk after a meal, as it will help to eliminate the acid.
- After you’ve finished your meal, chew sugar-free gum. It will assist in the production of more saliva, which will aid to eliminate the acids that accumulate in your mouth after a meal.
- After consuming acidic foods or drinks, wait at least an hour before you brush your teeth.
- Brush your teeth before going to bed and at least one more throughout the day.
- It’s preferable if you use toothpaste with fluoride levels ranging from 1300ppm to 1500ppm.
- After brushing your teeth, spit it out to keep the fluoride on your teeth longer.
Saliva Can Help Prevent Dental Erosion
Saliva is a powerful natural anti-erosion defence. Saliva is capable of washing acids out of your mouth into your stomach. It neutralizes acid and repairs tooth minerals in the early stages of tooth softening.
However, it will not be able to replace the missing tooth surface. Dental erosion can be exacerbated by a decrease in saliva flow (dry mouth).
Maintain a healthy level of hydration to improve your saliva. Drink plenty of fluoridated water to avoid dehydration, which can reduce the amount of saliva you produce.
You may be at risk of dental erosion if you have a dry mouth all of the time. Consult your dentist to figure out what’s causing the problem.
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