Dental Erosion: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Dental Erosion: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Our teeth are subjected to a lot throughout our lifetime. From helping us chew to contributing to the shape and aesthetics of our face, teeth constitute an integral part of our oral cavity. The external or outer layer of the teeth is coated with enamel, a substance that shields our teeth from physical or chemical damage.

The enamel is the part of the teeth that protects them against the rough and damaging chemicals that are often found in the teeth. However, improper oral hygiene and other associated factors can cause dental erosion, which results in the damage of the outer layer of the teeth.

In this article, we will be discussing everything one should know about dental erosion, its causes, and possible treatment options.

What are the symptoms of Dental Erosion?

Dental erosion symptoms are often tough to detect until they become severe or noticeable. Remember that lack of proper oral hygiene is the primary contributing factor behind dental erosion. So, if you are experiencing any of the below-mentioned symptoms, it is better to consult a dentist.

Some of the common symptoms include:

• Increased sensitivity while eating something cold, hot, or sour
• Cracks and chips in the tooth
• Yellow patches and discoloration
• Indentations on the teeth
• Shiny spots on the teeth
• Risks of tooth decay
• Fractured teeth (in severe cases)

What are the Causes of Enamel Erosion?

The tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the body and is usually made up of calcium phosphate. In case of dental erosion, the enamel sitting on top of your teeth starts eroding in thin layers, leading to the complications mentioned above.

For the most part, the presence of an excessively acidic environment in the oral cavity contributes to the gradual dental erosion. The saliva secreted from the salivary glands is responsible for neutralizing the acidic environment in the mouth to protect our teeth.

However, if you struggle with conditions like dry mouth or your salivary glands aren’t producing optimal amounts of saliva, it can eventually leave the oral cavity extremely acidic, thereby leading to dental erosion.

Not just food, improper and rigorously brushing your teeth can also contribute to erosion, leading to dental damage or pain in the teeth in the long run. So, when it comes to the dental erosion causes, there are two broad categories – based on what you eat and based on other lifestyle choices.

Based on What you Eat:

Foods that contribute to dental erosion include:

• Excessive refined sugar or sugary treats
• Highly acidic foods
• Bread and other starchy foods
• Fruit juices
• Carbonated drinks
• Excess consumption of Vitamin C

Based on Other Lifestyle Choices:

• The constant habit of teeth grinding
• Not brushing the teeth properly
• Suffering from chronic acid reflux
• Xerostomia
• Side effects from certain medications
• Eating disorders

How to Treat Dental Erosion?

Now that you are familiar with the basic dental erosion causes, you must know about dental erosion treatment. Remember that our tooth enamel, once completely eroded, cannot grow back.

So, prevention, in this case, is an ideal treatment. But, one good news is that complete enamel erosion is a gradual and time-consuming procedure. It doesn’t happen overnight. So, if you start noticing issues with your teeth and witnessing any of the symptoms of chipping or sensitivity, you must consult a dentist.

At Samadhan Clinic, we have an experienced team of orthodontists with years of professional and hands-on experience in treating cases of dental erosion with optimal efficiency and expertise. Dr. Rupal Agarwal is our chief consulting dentist and has years of experience helping you achieve that beautiful smile and get rid of every oral problem you can think of.

As for the treatment of Dental Erosion, a dentist can opt for two routes:

Tooth bonding – In this procedure, a tooth-colored resin is applied to the outer layer of the damaged teeth to mimic the look and functions of the eroded enamel. This is often a trusted treatment route if the dental erosion has left your teeth discolored and stained.

Veneers or crowns – Veneers are applied on the outer layer of the visible part of the teeth, which is in the front, to mimic the look of natural teeth. This is done to reduce the appearance of damage or discoloration on the teeth. On the other hand, Dental crowns are the caps attached on top of a discolored or damaged tooth to prevent further damage from happening.

Dental erosion is an irreversible procedure, that is why you must prevent it as much as possible. Samadhan Clinic is regarded as one of the best dental clinics in Delhi where we can help you get the answers you have been looking for along with a customized treatment plan to protect your dental health and functions.