Tooth erosion takes place when acid deteriorates the enamel on your teeth. Tooth enamel is the outer layer of the tooth that covers the crown and is the hardest parts of tissue in the human body. Tooth enamel protects teeth from daily wear and tear from biting, chewing or grinding. Even though our enamel is the toughest tissue, it can still be compromised and become cracked, chipped or broken. If this occurs in your tooth, it can never be repaired naturally and is damaged forever. This is because enamel has no living cells and cannot be brought back to normal. The crown is the part of the tooth that is visible to the human eye outside of the gums and is translucent in color. Dentin makes up the other part of the tooth’s enamel and is responsible for your tooth’s color. When a tooth becomes eroded, it is at higher risk for decay. Cavities will form at first but as the decay extends, if will affect the nerve resulting in abscess or painful infection.
Causes & Signs of Tooth Erosion
- High levels of soda or juices with added sugar consumption
- Acidic drinks
- Dry Mouth
- Acid Reflux
- Teeth Grinding
- Eating Disorders
- High Sugar diet
- Teeth will become sensitive to temperatures
- Teeth will begin to appear yellow
- Tooth texture will become rough or uneven
- Tooth pain associated with eating certain foods
Proactive Prevention of Tooth Erosion
- Lifestyle changes to avoid certain foods and drinks
- Drinking through a straw to reduce contact to teeth
- Reduce acidic foods and beverages
- Applying fluoride gels or varnish
- Avoiding abrasive toothbrushes
- Avoiding brushing teeth immediately after eating or drinking
- Drinking dairy products occasionally to help re-mineralize.
- Treating any underlying conditions such as eating disorders or GI issues that can affect oral health
About Johnson Family Dentistry – Orlando, FL
At Johnson Family Dentistry, we are a dental practice devoted to restoring and enhancing the natural beauty of your smile using conservative, state-of-the-art procedures that will result in beautiful, long, lasting smiles. We are conveniently located next to Publix Super Market in The Shoppes at Eastwood. Contact us Today at (407) 282-0002.
Our Services include the following; Bonding, Crowns & Bridgework, Dental Implants, Fillings, General and Cosmetic Dentistry, Oral Cancer Screenings, Periodontal (Gum) Disease Therapy, Porcelain Veneers, Professional Teeth Cleanings, Removable Dentures, Root Canal Treatment, Sealants, Teeth Whitening, TMJ/TMD Treatment, and Tooth Extractions.
