Tooth erosion leads to many oral complications and infections. Let’s explore the treatment for tooth erosion to restore your beautiful smile.
What is Tooth Erosion?
Tooth erosion occurs when the tough outer layer of your teeth, called enamel, wears down due to factors like chemicals or excessive pressure. Thinning enamel makes teeth more sensitive to issues like stains and cavities. Tooth erosion can progress slowly, affecting deeper layers like dentin and tooth pulp, but the good news is that steps can be taken to prevent it from worsening.
Symptoms
Early detection of dental erosion symptoms can help you get treatment for tooth erosion. Signs of tooth erosion can vary, but you might notice:
- Increased sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
- Changes in tooth color
- Chipped edges
- Small pits on tooth surfaces
As erosion progresses, it may lead to pain, especially as it approaches the nerves in the tooth pulp.
Causes
Before moving to treatment for tooth erosion, understanding the cause of erosion is essential. Several factors can contribute to tooth erosion, including.
- Consuming sugary and acidic drinks
- Eating starchy food
- Brushing too hard
- Teeth grinding
- Chronic acid reflux
- Dry mouth
- Long-term use of medications
- Genetic disorders
- Bulimia nervosa
- Exposing teeth to stomach acid
Treatment
The treatment for tooth erosion includes dental procedures and identifying the root cause of erosion. Let’s explore how treatment for tooth erosion helps you regain your smile.
Identify and Avoid Acid Sources
Ask your dentist to help find what’s causing the acid trouble once you know the culprit (like certain foods or drinks), steer clear of them.
Fluoride Treatment
Your dentist might suggest fluoride varnish or treatments to strengthen the remaining enamel.
Check for Medical Causes
If something like reflux is behind the erosion, talk to your doctor about how to handle it.
Fixing Damaged Teeth
If you don’t treat dental erosion, it can mess up your teeth. Sadly, enamel doesn’t grow back. If things get serious, your dentist can help by using treatments like:
- Veneers
- Fillings
- Crowns
- Root canal Treatment
- Tooth Extractions
Prevention
Prevention is better than treatment for tooth erosion. You can stop dental erosion by doing a few things:
Watch Acidic Foods and Drinks: Cut back on fruit juice and soft drinks because they can be acidic.
Use a Straw: If you have acidic drinks, use a straw to keep the acid away from your teeth.
Rinse Your Mouth: Rinse your mouth with water to wash away the acid after having acidic stuff.
Choose Water Over Acidic Drinks: Drink plain water instead of drinks with lots of acid.
After Vomiting, Rinse or Chew Gum: Rinse your mouth with water or milk after throwing up, or chew sugar-free gum to make more spit and weaken the acid.
Less Alcohol: Cut down on alcohol. It can be harsh on your teeth.
Regular Dental Check-ups: See your dentist regularly to monitor your teeth.
Soft Toothbrush, Fluoride Toothpaste: Use a soft toothbrush and toothpaste with fluoride to brush your teeth.
Wait Before Brushing: After having acidic drinks or vomiting, wait at least 30 minutes before brushing. Acid softens your enamel, and waiting gives your spit time to dilute the acid. During the wait, rinse your mouth with water or fluoride mouthwash.
Manage Acid Reflux with Your Doctor: If you have acid reflux, talk to your doctor about how to handle it and lessen the acid.
Avoid Sugary Drinks for Babies: Don’t give babies sugary drinks or fruit juice. Their tooth enamel is softer and can get hurt more easily by acids.
Conclusion
The blog guides you on treatment for tooth erosion. Look for the signs and consult your dentist immediately to avoid further complications and maintain oral health. Follow healthy eating habits and oral cleanings to prevent tooth erosion.
