Teeth wear/Enamel loss/Tooth erosion 

Enamel loss happens, making the enamel thin. This process is called Tooth erosion. 

Enamel is the outermost protective layer of the tooth. When it wears off, the teeth become weak, sensitive, and susceptible to further wear. Once the enamel is worn off, the underlying dentine is more susceptible to wear, making the erosion progress faster. 

Causes of tooth erosion: 

• Consuming sugary, acidic drinks. 
• Brushing with a hard bristled tooth brush is too hard. 
• Bruxism/Nighttime grinding. 
• Dry mouth/xerostomia. 
• Misaligned teeth with improper bite leads to teeth grinding. 
• Developmental abnormalities where in there is thin, soft enamel. 
• Aging 

Symptoms of tooth erosion 

• Teeth sensitivity 
• Discoloration of teeth 
• Cracks on teeth leading to sensitivity and pain 
• Rough teeth edges causing mucosa irritation 

Treatment of enamel erosion 

Remineralization: This will help strengthen the demineralized spots or areas. Fluoride gel can also be prescribed to further strengthen the enamel. 

Tooth bonding: Bonding can be done to restore the lost specific areas of enamel. 

Tooth crowns: In severe cases, these are suggested with or without root canal treatment. 

Veneers and inlays: these can be given to protect the enamel from further wear. 

Prevention of Erosion 

• Mindful dietary habits, minimizing the sugary, acidic intake of foods and beverages. 
• Drinking enough water between the meals. 
• Chewing sugar-free gum can increase salivation.  
• Using a fluoridated tooth paste. 
• Using a night guard to protect the teeth from bruxism. 
• Regular dental visits every once in 6 months. 
• Braces/Invisalign to correct the bite issues causing teeth wear. 

Conclusion

Enamel is the hardest part in the body. But it doesn’t have the regenerative capacity. Therefore, it is utmost important to preserve it and prevent it from wearing down faster or unnaturally. A timely dental checkup with the dentist can prevent the situation from worsening. We, at Solitaire Family Dentistry, are highly trained to focus on the issue and to diagnose the problem of teeth wear much earlier. Our focus is on preventive dentistry and holistic care. Contact us to know more about preserving your enamel before it is too late.