Your teeth have a layer called enamel, which helps protect them from damage. Although this tissue is hard, it can wear away or erode over time. When tooth enamel erodes, this can lead to dental problems ranging from a higher risk of tooth decay to tooth stains. Our dentist in Trenton Ontario offers the following information on tooth enamel erosion, including what causes it and how it’s treated.

Symptoms of Enamel Erosion

How can you tell if your tooth enamel is wearing away? When this happens, you might experience symptoms such as increased sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, as well as different textures or tastes. Enamel erosion can also cause your teeth to develop chips or cracks, since they’re more vulnerable to damage. Other symptoms of worn enamel include tooth discoloration and indentations on your tooth surfaces. Severe cases of enamel erosion can cause you to experience pain and develop yellowed teeth.

Causes of Enamel Erosion

Tooth enamel can wear away when it’s exposed to acidic foods and drinks, especially if you eat and drink these on a regular basis. Examples of these foods and drinks include apples, berries, orange juice, and sodas. Eating a lot of foods that are sugary or starchy can also cause your tooth enamel to erode. When you don’t brush your teeth properly, your risk of developing enamel erosion increases. Other causes of worn tooth enamel include grinding your teeth, having low saliva production, taking antihistamines and other certain medications, and having acid reflux on a regular basis.

Treatments for Enamel Erosion

Tooth enamel does not grow back once it has eroded, so treatment doesn’t focus on restoring enamel. Instead, treatment for enamel erosion involves making sure the surfaces of your teeth are protected from further damage. Dentists might do tooth bonding for mild cases of tooth enamel erosion. This involves placing tooth-colored resin on teeth that have been affected by worn enamel, such as discolored teeth or chipped or cracked teeth. When enamel erosion is more severe, treatment options might include dental crowns and dental veneers. Crowns protect worn tooth surfaces from decay and infections by keeping bacteria out. Veneers can cover tooth stains and other signs of damage from enamel erosion.

Preventing Enamel Erosion

You can lower your risk of experiencing enamel erosion in a couple of ways. Watching what you eat can have a significant effect on your risk of erosion. You should avoid having too many acidic foods and beverages in your diet. When you do eat or drink these, you should brush your teeth shortly afterwards to remove the acids from tooth surfaces. Limiting starchy or sugary foods can also help prevent enamel erosion from occurring. Making sure you properly brush your teeth on a regular basis and have routine dental cleanings done are also ways to reduce your risk of having worn enamel.

Contact Our Dentist in Trenton Ontario

If you need treatment for tooth enamel erosion, please contact us for an appointment. Our dentist can treat this dental problem and offer guidance on preventing it from happening.