Understanding Enamel Erosion

A look at causes, prevention and what can be done to restore teeth affected in this way

Looking after our teeth can be a tricky business. Along with our gums, they come under attack from all sides. Bacteria in our mouth, sugars that stick to the tooth surface and acidity from food and drinks can be harmful for our teeth.

Regular brushing and the use of floss will help to relieve this, as will making sure that you attend our Wickford dental clinic for regular check ups and any follow up appointments. Other factors though can still cause damage to our teeth.

One of the most common problems outside of high sugar diet related ones is enamel erosion. This is perhaps more common than you think, and, if you have ever taken a drink of something very hot or cold and winced in pain, you may have already suffered from this. While cavities are usually caused by bacteria, enamel erosion is regularly diet related.

What is enamel erosion?

The surface of our teeth consists of a layer of enamel. This is a very hard material and helps to protect the inner part of the tooth which is a lot more sensitive and also where the nerves of the tooth are located. Making sure that it stays healthy will help to prevent most dental issues from arising. Some food and drink products may damage this surface though, as can certain actions that we take.

Causes of enamel erosion

Almost certainly, the main cause of enamel erosion is through the consumption of acidic food and drinks. In most cases, this will come from beverages such as soft fizzy drinks. Some of these will have natural citric juices in whilst others may have other added acids to either enhance the flavour or prolong the shelf life of the product. Even natural drinks such as fresh orange juice are damaging to the teeth and when we drink them, the liquid passes over our teeth and starts to wear away the enamel surface.

Another cause can be over enthusiastic brushing of the teeth. While it is important to brush our teeth well, they should not be ‘scrubbed’ and you also need to clean them for no more than two minutes twice a day. Unfortunately, in their desire to have white healthy teeth, some people put too much pressure on when brushing and also brush for too long. This will almost certainly damage the enamel and require the intervention of our Cygnet Dental Practice team.

Finally, if we are sick and vomit, the stomach acids which pass over our teeth are said to be as or more corrosive than battery acid. It should come as no surprise then that regular vomiting is likely to lead to severe damage to the teeth. For some people such as some pregnant women, and those who suffer from certain types of eating disorder, this can be a real problem.

Preventing erosion

The easiest way to avoid this particular problem is to not drink acidic drinks, or at the very least, to limit their intake. You should also avoid brushing your teeth immediately after consuming these as this can cause further damage. In fact, although it might seem counter intuitive, you shouldn’t brush your teeth until half an hour or so after eating anything in order to allow the teeth time to remineralise.

When brushing your teeth, please do not apply too much pressure or brush for too long. There are plenty of reliable videos that dentists have put online that demonstrate how you should brush your teeth correctly. Try to follow this advice and don’t scrub away the protective enamel from your teeth.

With regards to vomiting; illnesses such as bulimia need specialist care and we can’t advise on that. All we can offer is to advise parents of those suffering in this way to make sure that regular dental appointments are kept so that any damage can hopefully be minimised. If you are pregnant and regularly being sick, talk to your GP who may be able to help with this.

Treating eroded teeth

Once tooth enamel has been significantly damaged, it will require the services of a dentist to restore the teeth and protect them from further harm. The treatment used to do this will depend on individual circumstances and you will require an examination to determine the best course of action to take.

In most cases, this will consist of procedures such as a crown, or for the front of the teeth especially, fitting veneers. The latter will, in effect, replace the damaged enamel and protect the tooth from further harm. You will still need to make sure to clean them well, despite them being usually made from porcelain. Poor cleaning could result in damage to the rest of the tooth, causing the veneer to become loose and come off in some cases. Generally though, with good care, you can expect a veneer to last for around ten years, so it is an effective long term solution to this problem.

Whether you suspect that you might have eroded enamel due to your teeth being extra sensitive, or not, it is important to see your local Wickford dentists regularly to have your teeth checked. If you would like to book an appointment with us, please call the Cygnet Dental Practice today on 01268 733078.