Enamel Erosion and Restoration

1. Enamel Erosion and Restoration Enamel Erosion and Restoration It’s important to know how to preventenamel erosion. And, also, to know the best treatment options to prevent long-term problems for your oral health. Dental enamel, or the outside covering of your teeth, is one of the hardest materials found in the human body. Enamel can last a lifetime with proper care. However, it is subject to damage from multiple sources. Damage leading to tooth sensitivity, broken teeth and decay. Know and Prevent the Causes of Enamel Erosion Enamel protects your teeth from daily activities such as eating. Knowing how to avoid certain habits, or activities that can cause weakening, is important. To prevent enamel erosion, fruit drinks, sodas and foods with high starch content are a few sources of acid you should avoid. In some instances, erosion is due to environmental or behavioral causes. Grinding your teeth or working in a job that exposes you to harsh airborne chemicals are two examples. During the exam, your dentist may ask questions about your lifestyle. This will help determine if you are at risk for erosion. And it then allows them to make suggestions for modifications to preserve the enamel.

2. Recognizing the Signs of a Problem Regular dental exams are the best way to identify erosion early on so that you can make lifestyle changes to reduce the long-term damage. However, you may also notice signs of erosion at home. You may experience increased sensitivity to sweets and temperatures while eating. You may notice small indentations along your gum line. This erosion is caused by tooth grinding or harsh brushing habits. As erosion occurs, the underlying dentin becomes exposed. Teeth may become more yellow. Fortunately, erosion tends to be a slow process. Recognizing it gives you the best chance for preserving your teeth. Treating Erosion and Related Sensitivity Unlike bones, enamel has no living tissue to help it regrow. Once your dentist diagnoses enamel erosion, he or she will recommend treatment. Severity of the damage and other factors affecting your oral health will help determine the course of treatment. If you are dealing with the earliest stages, your dentist will want to slow down the progression. Fluoride toothpaste or mouth rinses may be prescribed. Later stages may require restorations to improve the aesthetics of your smile or to decrease sensitivity. In most cases, dental bonding or crowns can be used to restore your comfort and smile. Strong, white teeth do not just look pretty. The enamel also helps to protect you from pain as you chew and drink. By avoiding known habits that contribute to erosion and working with your dentist to restore damage early on, you can protect your tooth enamel and enjoy having a healthy smile.