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Is Your Tooth Enamel in Danger?

14 April 2022 by Christy Long

Getting bad news from the dentist is never easy, but many dental patients may be confused after being told that their tooth enamel is under attack. Don't worry: much can be done to prevent further damage, so read on to learn more.

Tooth Enamel: What to Know

You may feel that your teeth are one the hardest substances in your body and you are not wrong about that. However, with time and wear, almost anything will begin to weaken and cause problems. A tiny chip after a fall, for example, can be the beginning of a huge problem if the tooth is more damaged than you think. Often, people are unaware of the problem until they experience sensitivity and pain when eating and drinking. Enamel erosion, however, can be both unsightly and bad for the general health of your teeth.

What to Watch For

Even if you don't notice any pain, your dental hygienist might notice a distinctive pattern of discoloration that signals enamel has begun to erode. The outer layer of teeth covers the dentin, which is a different color than your tooth enamel. That darkness in spots can also be one of the main signs of enamel erosion. Your teeth can become so eroded that your teeth appear to be nearly transparent due to the loss of enamel.

What Causes Enamel Erosion?

Normally, teeth don't erode without a good reason. However, some people may have inherited a tendency to have weakened enamel. Other things that can weaken your enamel include:

• Belching, heartburn, and other digestive issues that lead to stomach acids coming into contact with teeth.
• Eating disorders that include purging through vomiting can expose teeth enamel to stomach acids too.
• Drinking highly acidic soft drinks can weaken enamel over time.
• Not removing sweet and acidic substances from the teeth after eating in a timely manner can wreak havoc with enamel.

Dealing with the Effects

Once your enamel is destroyed, it won't ever come back, but a dentist can take measures to help stabilize your teeth and improve their appearance.

1. Stop doing the things that caused the problem in the first place.
2. Fillings (very small fillings) can be used to remove any decay and strengthen the tooth.
3. Veneers or caps (crowns) can be used to improve the appearance once the damage is rectified.
4. If the tooth is too damaged to save, an extraction followed by a denture or implant may be needed.

To learn more about enamel erosion, speak to a dentist.

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