COSMETIC DENTISTRY CLINIC

DENTAL EROSION

Dental erosion is the loss of the enamels of the teeth, which is usually due to acid attack. Enamel is the protective coating of every tooth in the mouth. This hard part of the human tooth protects the sensitive dentine. The sensitive dentine which is situated underneath the tooth can become exposed if the hard enamel wears out. This will consequently cause pain and sensitivity of the teeth.

What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Dental Erosion?

The initial manifestation of dental erosion is the presence of hollows in the affected teeth. The following are the common manifestations of dental erosion:

Painful sensitivity: In the early stage of the erosion, you might experience a twinge of pain when you bite certain foods. Your teeth might become sensitive to food temperatures. Later in the erosion process, you might experience extreme sensitivity which could be notably painful.
Cracks & chips: As the teeth erosion progresses, the edges of the affected teeth will become irregular, rough and jagged.
Discolouration: The teeth will become yellow because of the exposure of the dentine.
Indentations: There will be indentations on the surface of the teeth.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF DENTAL EROSION?

The following are the possible causes of teeth erosion:

The low flow of saliva (Xerostomia)
Dry mouth
Excessive consumption of soda and other soft drinks
Consumption of acidic fruits. Some fruits are more acidic and more erosive than battery acid.
Acid Reflux Disease
Certain genetic conditions
Some environmental factors such as stress, corrosion, friction, wear & tear.
Certain prescribed drugs, such as aspirin.

What Are The Medical Conditions That Can Cause Dental Erosion?

Xerostomia (dry mouth): is a condition in which there is a significant reduction in the flow of saliva in the mouth. Due to the reduction or absence of saliva, the mouth will become dry, consequently causing an erosion of the enamel.

Bulimia: This is a severe eating disorder in which patients intentionally make themselves sick to prevent weight gain. This is usually accompanied by several episodes of vomiting. The vomit is generally acidic and is capable of eroding the tooth enamel.

Acid reflux disease: can also lead to the erosion of the enamel since the stomach content is usually acidic. Patients who have hiatus hernia or gastro-oesophageal problems are likely to experience dental erosion because of vomiting.

What Are The Effects Of Diet On The Prevention Of Dental Erosion?

One of the major causes of dental erosion is the consumption of acidic drinks and foods. Whenever you eat or drink any substance that has a pH value of 5.5 or less, you are likely to hurt your teeth. Carbonated drinks, sodas, fizzy drinks and other acidic drinks are capable of causing erosion to the enamel. Acidic fruits such as lemon and orange are known to have high contents of natural acids which could cause harm to your teeth.

Water and milk are the most suitable drinks for the teeth. They help to prevent increase acidity in the mouth. You should also avoid acidic fruits such as lemon and orange.

HOW TO PREVENT DENTAL EROSION

Brush your teeth using fluoride toothpaste at night before you retire to bed. Make use of a small-headed toothbrush that has medium to soft bristles.
Drink milk immediately after a meal. Milk will cancel out the acid in the mouth.
Take acidic drinks and foods at mealtimes to reduce the number of acid attacks on your teeth.
Chew a sugar-free chewing gum after a meal to promote the production of saliva in the mouth. This will significantly help to cancel out the level of acids in the mouth.
After brushing your teeth, do not spit out and do not rinse out. This is to ensure that the fluoride of the toothpaste stays longer on your teeth.
Children between the ages of 1 to 3 should use toothpaste that has at least 1000 parts per million of fluoride level while children who are 3 years old and adults should use toothpaste that has fluoride level of 1350ppm to 1500ppm.

How To Treat Dental Erosion

In many cases, dental erosion requires no special treatment. Routine check-ups, as well as adherence to the advice given by your dentist, will help prevent the erosion from becoming more severe. The erosion is likely to stop without treatment. However, if the erosion requires treatment, there would be the need to protect both the enamel and dentine. This can be achieved by bonding a filling on the teeth. Your dentist might have to fit a veneer if the erosion is severe.

What Special Products Are Needed For Teeth

Aside from fluoride toothpaste, your dentist might instruct you to get a fluoride mouthwash. You might also be required to apply fluoride varnish twice a year.

What Is The Cost Of Treating Dental Erosion?

The cost of treatment is dependent on the type of treatment you require. You can contact our dental team at Cosmetic Dentistry Clinic to request a written estimate of the treatment.

Need More Information? Contact Us Now!

Do you have more questions to ask about dental erosion? You can contact our helpline on 020 71830755. We provide a 100% confidential customer care service. You can also walk into our dental clinic in London, to enquire more about our treatment options for Dental erosion. We are waiting!