Tooth

Tooth Erosion

Tooth erosion is a problem experienced by people of every age and class. This problem is a continuous one and can lead to other medical concerns. Find out if you are already suffering from it by contacting us. You can also visit our clinic and meet with our dentist. We are located in Harley Street London, and you can book an appointment by dialling 02071830903.

What Does Tooth Erosion Mean?

Tooth erosion is a condition whereby the enamel of the tooth is lost due to an attack on the tooth by acid. The enamel is the hard outer layer of the tooth which acts as a protective covering for the tooth. This enamel has a duty of protecting the delicate dentine which is hidden underneath it. When the enamel gets worn out, the dentine underneath gets exposed thereby causing sensitivity and pain.

How Can I Identify Tooth Erosion?

Tooth erosion is usually detected by the presence of hollow spaces in the teeth and a worn-out surface of the tooth and biting edges. This erosion causes the dentine to be exposed, and the exposed dentine has a darker and yellower colour than the enamel, which makes it easily noticed. The affected dentine can cause tooth sensitivity to worsen when exposed to cold, hot or acidic foods and drinks.

What Are The Causes Of Tooth Erosion?

When acidic foods and drinks are taken, they cause the enamel of the teeth to become softer for some time, and this causes some of its mineral content to be lost. After some time is past, the acidity from the food or drink slowly becomes neutralised by the saliva, thereby restoring the natural balance of the mouth.

However, if you keep eating acidic foods, your mouth may not be able to take care of all the bits of damaged enamels the acid has eaten off. As this proceeds, the surface of the teeth slowly begins to wear off.

Can Any Medical Problem Cause Tooth Erosion?

Yes, tooth erosion can be caused by Bulimia. Bulimia is a medical condition where patients get themselves to be sick for weight-loss reasons. This sickness causes the level of acid in their vomit to be high, and this can cause the enamel to wear out.

The stomach acids can come up to the mouth through a process called gastro-oesophageal reflux. People who have this problem or hiatus hernia and even people who drink alcohol excessively may notice they suffer from tooth erosion when they vomit.

Visit us in our clinic at Harley Street, London, to find out if your health condition might be a cause.

Can Diet Help In The Prevention Of Tooth Erosion?

Acidic foods and drinks mostly cause tooth erosion. Any food or drink that has a pH value of less than 5.5 is said to be acidic and harmful to your teeth. The pH value is used to measure the acidity of a substance.

Taking in sodas, pops, fizzy and carbonated drinks can also cause tooth erosion. Most of the times, our diet are harmful to the teeth and even taking a large amount of that sweetly flavoured fizzy drink can add to the damage of your teeth because of its acidity. Fruits and fruit juices also contain acids, especially fruits like lemon and orange. They contain organic acids and can cause harm to your teeth if you take them in a significant quantity.

Coolers, alcopops and designer drinks may contain fizzy and acidic fruits. Taking them in a large quantity can cause tooth erosion.

The best thing you can give to your teeth without being afraid of tooth erosion is plain still water. Milk is also a great one because it can help you neutralise the acid in your mouth.

Can you trust the safety of sports drinks?

A lot of sports drinks have ingredients that can cause tooth erosion and decay. However, we do not advise athletes to get dehydrated because dehydration can cause dry mouth and bad breath.

How can I prevent tooth erosion?

You can do the following to prevent tooth erosion:

  • If you want to have acidic drinks, swig them and do not swish or hold them in your mouth for long. You can use a straw to help the drink go down without having much contact with your teeth.
  • Only take acidic foods and drinks like pops, sodas and fizzy drinks when having your meals. This will help reduce the amount of the molecules of acids laying claim to your enamel.
  • After a meal, take some cheese or milk immediately so that the acid in your mouth can be neutralised.
  • Try to chew some sugar-free gum after you are done with your meals. This will aid your production of saliva and improve your ability to neutralise the acidic remnants in your mouth.
  • Do not brush your teeth immediately after eating or having an acidic drink; you could be brushing off your already softened enamel. Ensure you wait for at least an hour before brushing your teeth. This time will be enough for your teeth to regain its mineral contents again.
  • Let brushing your teeth with a toothpaste whose fluoride level is not less than 1000ppm (part per million) be the last thing you do before hitting the bed. The recommended amount of fluoride in the toothpaste of 3-year-olds to adults is 1350ppm to 1500ppm.
  • When you are done brushing, do not rinse off the toothpaste. Just spit it out. The fluoride in the toothpaste will work better if it stays on the teeth for a longer period.

Are there special products I should use?

Fluoride toothpaste is strongly advisable for use, but you may have your dental team recommend for you a mouthwash with fluoride content. You may also be advised to have your teeth coated with varnish every six months or more. You may also have them prescribing fluoride toothpaste for you.

How can tooth erosion be treated?

Tooth erosion does not particularly need treatment. Keeping up to your regular check-ups and adhering to the advice of your dental team can help you prevent the problem from worsening. If the affected tooth needs to be treated for any reason, it is best if the enamel gets protected so that the dentine under it will not become sensitive.

If your enamel is severely damaged, having a simple bonding or filling is enough to get it repaired. However, if the case is a severe one, your dentist may need to get a veneer fitted for you.

You can trust our dentistry. Visit our dental clinic at Harley Street London or call our customer care service on 02071830903 to book an appointment.

What is the cost of the treatment?

The cost of treating tooth erosion varies, and it is largely dependent on the type of treatment option for you.

However, it is essential to have a talk with your dentist about all the treatment options available and which will be your best fit. You can also demand a written estimate before you proceed with any treatment.

Let us hear from you

If you have any questions or complaints about tooth erosion or other dental conditions, write to us at [email protected]. We would you to visit our clinic to speak with the dentist yourself. Get yourself an appointment here or call our customer service agent on 02071830903.

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