ENAMEL EROSION: CAUSES, SYMPTOMS, TREATMENTS

Did you know that your teeth are composed of multiple layers named as dentin and enamel? The outer layer is called enamel that protects teeth against physical and chemical injury. It is known as the toughest tissue in our body even tougher than bone.

Enamel act as the first line of defence for the teeth against food and bodily fluids we are exposed to. The wear and tear caused by the chemical are called enamel erosion.

What Are the Causes of Enamel Erosion?

The enamel is eroded by the acids found in the foods and liquids. When there is constant Saliva, I mouth it neutralizes the acid and protect the teeth from erosion. In some cases when a person consumes a lot of acidic food, drink water doesn’t brush teeth then the outer layer of enamel will damage over time.

Enamel erosion can be a result of the following food you consume:

• Sweet foods, such as syrups, chocolates, and caramel.
• White breadthat contains starch.
• Citrus fruits, berries, and acidic food.
• Various drinks and juices.
• Sodas, that containscitric acid and phosphoric acid with sugar.
• Excess vitamin Cfruits.

Other reasons for enamel erosion are as follow:

• Grinding or clenching your teeth.
• Stomach problems such as gastroesophageal reflux disease.
• Xerostomiaor less saliva. 
• Consistent use of certain medications, such as aspirin.
• Eating disorders thatexpose teeth to stomach acid.

What Are the Symptoms of Enamel Erosion?  

There are many Symptoms of tooth enamel erosion, but the following are often seen:

• Increased sensitivity to taste, hot and cold.
• Cracks on teeth surface.
• Teeth discolouration.
• Depressions on teeth surface.
• Painis a symptom of significant erosion means your enamel is wearing away.
• Your front teeth will start lookingtransparent near the edges where you bite.

Enamel erosion can lead to complications if it is not prevented or arrested on time. The complications include:

• Rough teethedges.
• Shiny spots on teethsurface.
• Increased tooth cavities.
• The gradual wearing of enamel
• Chippedteeth

What Is the Treatment for Enamel Erosion?

Consumption of food frequently whether snacks or acidic drinks can lead you to a high risk of teeth erosion. There are some ways to reduce your risk for tooth enamel erosion which is keeping acidic foods to a minimum.

If you take carbonated drinks or fruit juice, using a straw can minimize the drink’s contact with the teeth. Chewing a Xylitol gum which is a sugar-free gum can help you by encouraging your mouth to yield more saliva. Saliva neutralizes the acid and helps the teeth to recover from contact to excess acid.

Have you experienced a significant enamel erosion? If yes, then a dentist can help you with a few techniques. The first technique is known as tooth bonding. Tooth Bonding is a procedure in which a tooth-coloured material known as the resin is applied on a damaged tooth. It is an option if you want to consider tooth bonding for a discoloured tooth due to enamel erosion of front teeth.  

In more severe cases, the dentist may recommend veneer or crown to your damaged teeth to avert further decay. The best way to treat enamel erosion is to prevent it from the beginning. Even if it has started, you can still prevent it from becoming severe by looking after your teeth with good oral hygiene.

--- By Ruby Baig I A Dental Literature Writer at the Aga Khan University