Tooth Erosion: Causes and Treatment
Tooth erosion does not happen overnight. But over time, tooth erosion can cause drastic and permanent damage to the dental enamel that protects your natural teeth. Cosmetic dentistry treatments can improve the appearance of worn teeth and help repair damage done by tooth erosion. At Ridgewood Dental Associates, our team offers quality tooth erosion treatment to restore your smile to top form.
What are the Most Common Causes of Tooth Erosion?
There are several factors that can lead to tooth erosion. The most common causes of tooth erosion are:
- Acidic Foods and Beverages: Acid-heavy beverages such as coffee, soft drinks, wine, and beer, along with acidic foods like citrus fruits, can wear away at teeth.
- Plaque and Tartar Buildup: As bacteria collect on the surface of teeth, as a result of neglectful dental hygiene, plaque and tartar can start to develop and gradually break down tooth enamel.
What Are the Signs of Tooth Erosion?
How do you know if you are suffering from tooth erosion? There are several warning signs to look out for:
- Tooth Sensitivity: You may notice increased sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods. In the case of severe tooth erosion, this sensitivity may cross into pain.
- Tooth Discoloration: Teeth can start to take on a yellow or brown shade as enamel is worn away to reveal the dentin underneath.
- Cracks or Worn Edges: Erosion can cause visibly noticeable wear and tear on your teeth, from worn and uneven edges to actual cracks and chips.
Can Tooth Erosion Be Prevented?
The best way to avoid problems caused by tooth erosion is to prevent tooth erosion from occurring in the first place. There are several basic actions that can be taken to protect your teeth from tooth erosion:
- Practice Good Dental Hygiene: This is simply good sense. Remembering to brush and floss twice a day, if not after every meal, can go a long way toward ridding your teeth of plaque before it becomes a more serious issue.
- Avoid Acidic Foods: Acidic foods can speed up erosion of a patient’s teeth. Cut acidic foods like soft drinks, coffee, orange juice, and other citrus-based products.
- Use a Fluoride Mouthwash: By using a tooth reinforcement mouthwash with fluoride, you can build up stronger dental enamel walls. If caught early enough, a fluoride mouthwash can even rebuild and repair enamel on teeth showing only minor signs of tooth erosion.
Can Tooth Erosion Be Treated?
Even the best prevention cannot always keep tooth erosion at bay. The good news is that tooth enamel erosion can be treated in a variety of ways.
If you and your cosmetic dentist catch the first signs of tooth erosion early enough, you may be able to reverse the damage with the use of enamel strengthening toothpastes and mouthwashes. But as tooth erosion progresses, cosmetic dentistry treatments become necessary to correct the issue. Dental crowns are an effective treatment for extensive tooth erosion where the tooth has been worn down or broken. Dental bonding, on the other hand, can be a perfect solution when erosion that is more localized and less severe.
Learn More about the Causes and Treatment of Tooth Erosion Today
Don’t let tooth erosion ruin your smile - our team of cosmetic and restorative dentists can help. Contact Ridgewood Dental Associates to schedule an appointment and learn more about your options and tooth erosion treatment plans today.
