Coping With Tooth Erosion
Coping With Tooth Erosion
Tooth erosion is also an oral disease that includes wearing of tooth enamel caused by acid. Usually, enamel is a hard substance that covers your tooth. It is usually damaged by acid that is formed on the mouth when you drink beverages like sodas, colas, coffee, and tea and when you are smoking. Acid then wears away the enamel that coats your teeth. When the enamel is damaged, there is a tendency for tooth erosion. Tooth erosion usually common to children and teenagers.
When your tooth erodes, it is sensitive to hot and cold temperatures especially if you are eating hot and cold dishes. Your tooth may also change in color and it becomes, yellow but the edge is clear. The erosion can lead your teeth to curve and prone to cracking. Some medical factors caused tooth erosion like decrease in saliva that causes dry mouth, reflux disease and gastro intestinal condition. A person suffering from morning sickness like anorexic person is susceptible to tooth erosion also. Overexposure to pool like swimming is one also of the causes of tooth erosion due to exposure to the chlorinated water in the pool.
The early symptoms of tooth erosion include discoloration, tooth sensitivity, rounded teeth and transparent or sandblasted appearance of teeth. Discoloration of your teeth occurs when the dentin is exposed due to tooth erosion. Tooth sensitivity occurs when enamel wears away and causes dentin to expose. Rounded teeth appear on the early stage of tooth erosion and this is very common.
The advance and severe symptoms of tooth erosion includes crackling, extreme sensitivity when eating hot and cold foods and presence of dents or cupping. Tooth erosion could be prevented by limiting the consumption of acidic foods like fruit juices, coffee, tea and also smoking. After eating acidic foods, you should wait for sixty minutes before brushing your teeth. When you brush your teeth immediately after eating and drinking acidic foods, it will harm your enamel. Use a soft bristled toothbrush when brushing your teeth to avoid damaged of your gums. Use toothpaste with fluoride when brushing your teeth. Use a straw when drinking carbonated drink such as colas and sodas. Swallow acidic liquid quickly and avoid swishing it into your mouth. To reduce dry mouth, chew a sugar free chewing gum and this will produce more saliva into your mouth. Saliva allows, mineralize your teeth.
Tooth erosion could occur in different factors. If you noticed that you are experiencing tooth erosion, consult your dentist about it. It is better to treat tooth erosion in its early stage. You could also use toothpaste intended for sensitive teeth when you are suffering from tooth erosion. The treatment for tooth erosion depends on its severity. If the erosion is in its early symptoms, this can be easily treated by your dentist. However, if the erosion is already in its extreme case, your tooth may need to be repair by your dentist. Usually the treatment options include tooth implant, tooth crowning, bridge and tooth canal.
Now, that you are already familiar with tooth erosion, it’s worthy to do everything you can to prevent this to happen. You can prevent it from taking place – or if it has already caused you discomforts, you can manage it well and regain healthy oral condition. Do so by visiting your dentist and getting the best care. Doing so could mean achieving a brighter smile that will last a lifetime!