How to treat eroded tooth enamel?

Tooth enamel is a very strong layer that protects the outer surface of the teeth from physical and chemical damage. It is extremely hard and is considered the hardest tissue in the body. So much so that it is more durable than bone. Its main function is to protect teeth against various chemicals, foods and beverages. However, in this process, wear and tear of tooth enamel may be inevitable. Once the tooth enamel is worn, it cannot repair itself. Treatment of worn tooth enamel may require different procedures (crown, bridge, veneer, etc.) depending on the condition of the teeth.

What is tooth enamel and what does it do?

Tooth enamel, which protects the tooth by wrapping the tooth crown, is a very thin outer layer. It protects the teeth from the effects that may be caused by activities such as chewing, biting and grinding, which we frequently perform in our daily lives. When the tooth enamel covering the dentin and pulp parts of the tooth is damaged, discomfort such as toothache, hot and cold sensitivity may occur. Dental problems may occur and tooth decay may occur. For this reason, it is very important to take special care of tooth enamel to protect oral health.

Why Does Tooth Enamel Wear Out?

With the wear of tooth enamel, which results in the weakening of the basic structure of your smile, tooth decay, dental tartar and cracks increase the risk of infection in or around the tooth and negatively affect oral health. The causes of tooth enamel wear can be listed as follows:

Acidic Food and Beverage Consumption

Consumption of foods and beverages high in sugar and acid can cause tooth enamel erosion. Although it is a time-consuming process, in order to prevent erosion, consumption should be limited or cleaning should be done with mouthwash or brushing.

Chronic Dry Mouth

Saliva is effective in breaking down food to help the digestive process. It also prevents the formation of plaque. When the body cannot produce enough saliva, the teeth will be exposed to higher levels of acid.

Acid Reflux

Chronic acid reflux can expose the teeth to extremely harmful stomach acid. Individuals suffering from the disease are likely to experience problems with tooth enamel erosion or weakening of the back teeth.

Certain prescription or over-the-counter medicines

Allergy medication, aspirin or prescription medication can cause a decrease in saliva production. Subsequent dry mouth increases the risk of tooth wear.

Genetics

Individuals with genetically thinner tooth enamel are more likely to experience tooth enamel wear.

Tooth Grinding and Tooth Clenching

Teeth grinding and clenching can put pressure on the surfaces of the teeth, causing the enamel to wear away.

Misaligned Teeth

Misalignment of the teeth can lead to wear on the surfaces of the teeth due to their irregular movement and dysfunction of the jaw joint. Braces or other alignment solutions can prevent the development of tooth wear.

Poor Oral Hygiene

Protecting teeth from damage by not brushing and flossing regularly every day, visiting the dentist twice a year with preventive dentistry appointments, and avoiding bad dental and oral habits can reduce the risk of enamel wear.

Ageing

As we age, teeth naturally begin to wear down as a natural process. Improved oral hygiene and increased emphasis on preventive dentistry can help keep teeth healthy for longer.

Inadequate Nutrition

Lack of the necessary nutrients in the diet to build and maintain healthy cells can lead to enamel erosion due to malnutrition. Enamel wear can also be associated with irregular eating habits such as anorexia and bulimia.

What are the symptoms of tooth enamel erosion?

Enamel erosion can cause physical damage to the teeth. Initially, it tends to be felt as toothache or sensitivity to hot and/or cold foods or drinks.

The most common symptoms of tooth enamel erosion can be listed as follows:

• Toothache and sensitivity
• Discolouration in the form of yellowing
• Transparency, especially at the edges of the front teeth
• Small cracks or cavities on the surface of the teeth
• A rough appearance on the tooth surface

It is quite common for tooth decay to develop due to the erosion of tooth enamel. If you experience mild discomfort or sensitivity, it is advisable to visit your dentist to resolve the problem as soon as possible.

Treatment Options for Wearing Tooth Enamel

Tooth damage caused by enamel loss is permanent. Once it has been worn away, there is no way to restore it. This is because enamel does not have living cells that can repair itself. Your dentist can offer various treatment options for worn enamel.

The treatment of worn tooth enamel differs depending on various factors. During the examination, the dentist will examine the suspected tooth for possible signs of enamel wear. After assessing the extent of the damage, its causes and how to address it, he or she will recommend the most appropriate treatment.

Some of the common treatment options for tooth wear can be listed as follows:

• Fillings for minor damaged enamel wear and decay, usually under local anaesthesia
• Crowns for large caries damage
• Tooth bonding when the surface of more than one tooth is worn
• Veneers for the permanent protection of several or all teeth

Depending on the type and extent of damage, your dentist may recommend root canal treatment or, in more serious cases, tooth extraction may be necessary. In case of root canal treatment, crowns are usually recommended. If tooth extraction is necessary, you may be referred to options such as a bridge or permanent implant.