Dental Erosion: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment Explained

Dental-Erosion-Causes-Prevention-and-Treatment-Explained

Teeth erosion, also known as dental erosion, is a widespread issue that affects many people worldwide. Studies show that tooth erosion impacts approximately 30–50% of baby teeth and 20–45% of permanent teeth worldwide.  Notably, there’s a discernible trend indicating a higher prevalence among males than females. This problem isn’t limited by age, with almost half of children’s teeth and nearly as many adult teeth being affected. Let’s understand what tooth erosion is and find ways to prevent it and keep our smiles healthy.

The Fundamentals of Tooth Enamel: Definition and Composition 

What is Tooth Enamel?

Tooth enamel, often known as the protective outer layer of the teeth, is a resilient substance that shields the underlying tooth structures from damage and decay. It forms the tooth’s visible surface, known as the crown, and is critical in maintaining dental health. 

Composed primarily of minerals, particularly hydroxyapatite, the enamel is one of the most complex substances in the human body. Its dense structure makes it highly resistant to wear and tear from biting, chewing, or any other daily activities. It serves as a barrier against various external factors, including erosion of teeth caused by acidic substances and other detrimental agents.

Functions of Tooth Enamel

The functions of tooth enamel are vital for maintaining overall dental health, ensuring teeth longevity, and ensuring there’s no teeth erosion. Here are the primary roles that enamel plays:

  • Protection: Tooth enamel acts as a durable shield, safeguarding the inner layers of the tooth, including the dentin and pulp, from physical damage. It serves as a barrier against external forces such as biting, chewing, and grinding, preventing trauma and fractures to the tooth structure.
  • Insulation: Enamel provides thermal insulation, protecting the tooth from extreme temperatures encountered while consuming hot or cold foods and beverages. This insulation helps prevent sensitivity and discomfort by minimizing the transfer of temperature changes to the inner tooth structures.
  • Resistance to Wear: As the hardest substance in the human body, tooth enamel offers exceptional wear and tear resistance. It withstands the abrasive forces generated during chewing and other oral activities, maintaining the integrity and shape of the tooth over time.
  • Chemical Barrier: Enamel acts as a barrier against tooth enamel acid erosion caused by acidic substances. It resists the corrosive effects of acidic foods, beverages, and oral bacteria, thereby protecting the tooth from enamel loss on teeth, decay, and cavities.
  • Aesthetic Appearance: The smooth, glossy surface of enamel contributes to the aesthetic appearance of teeth, giving them a bright, white appearance. Enamel’s translucency allows light to pass through, reflecting off the underlying dentin and creating the characteristic appearance of healthy teeth.
  • Bite Force Distribution: Enamel helps distribute bite forces evenly across the tooth surface, preventing excessive stress on specific areas of the tooth. This distribution of forces reduces the risk of fractures and damage to the tooth structure.

Causes of Enamel Erosion 

Causes of enamel erosion encompass various factors contributing to teeth enamel decay and teeth erosion:

  • Prolonged exposure to acidic foods and beverages is what causes dental erosion, as the acids gradually wear down the protective enamel layer. 
  • Poor oral hygiene like infrequent brushing or excessive teeth grinding, can exacerbate erosion. 
  • Medical conditions like acid reflux and dry mouth increase acid levels in the mouth, accelerating enamel breakdown. Additionally, certain medications and genetic predispositions may play a role in enamel erosion. 

What Are The Signs of Enamel Erosion?

Signs of tooth enamel loss, often indicative of enamel erosion or dental erosion, manifest in various symptoms:

  1. Sensitivity: Teeth may get sensitive to hot, cold, fizzy, or sugary foods. Advanced tooth enamel erosion symptoms can also be extreme sensitivity to temperature changes and sweet substances.
  2. Discolouration: Yellowing or staining of the teeth is a common sign of enamel erosion, altering the natural appearance of the teeth.
  3. Tooth Cupping: Small indentations or cups may develop on the chewing surfaces of teeth, indicating erosion and loss of enamel.
  4. Cracks and Chips: Enamel erosion may result in the formation of cracks or chips on the tooth surface, compromising its structural integrity.
  5. Rough Edges: Teeth may develop rough or uneven edges as the enamel wears away, affecting the tooth’s smooth texture.
  6. Shiny Spots: Shiny spots on the teeth can indicate areas of enamel thinning, reflecting light differently than the surrounding enamel.
  7. Increased Tooth Decay: Enamel erosion weakens the tooth’s protective layer, increasing the risk of tooth decay and cavities.
  8. Altered Appearance: Teeth may appear shorter or smaller due to the gradual wearing away of enamel, altering the smile’s overall appearance.

What Are the Prevention Strategies?

Understanding teeth erosion causes is essential for implementing preventive measures and preserving enamel health. Here are some effective preventive measures:

  1. Limit Acidic Foods and Drinks: Reduce acidic beverages like fruit juice and soft drinks. Instead, consume acidic foods as part of meals rather than snacks throughout the day. This minimises the frequency and duration of acid exposure to the teeth.
  2. Use a Straw: While drinking acidic beverages, use a straw to direct the liquid past the teeth, limiting direct contact with the enamel. This helps reduce the amount of acid that comes into contact with the tooth surfaces.
  3. Rinse Your Mouth: After consuming acidic foods or drinks, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water or a mouthwash that has fluoride. Try rinsing with a mouthwash with sodium bicarbonate or with baking soda, which can help neutralize acids and promote tooth enamel repair.
  4. Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Maintain a routine. Brush your teeth at least twice every day. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Also, to remove plaque and debris from between teeth, floss daily. Stay hydrated to promote saliva production, which helps protect enamel.
  5. Wear a Mouthguard: If you have a habit of grinding your teeth during sleep, wearing a mouthguard can help prevent enamel wear caused by bruxism. A properly fitted mouth guard cushions the teeth and reduces the impact of grinding, protecting enamel from damage.

Treatment of Tooth Enamel Loss

When facing eroding teeth enamel, seeking appropriate treatment is crucial to prevent further damage to your tooth structure. Unlike other body tissues, tooth enamel cannot regenerate once lost. Therefore, it’s essential to explore effective enamel erosion treatment options. Treatment options for tooth enamel loss include:

  1. Fluoride Treatments: It can help restore tooth enamel and reverse early-stage cavities by promoting remineralization and strengthening enamel.
  2. Fillings (Restorations): Mainly used to fill cavities caused by enamel loss, fillings restore the damaged tooth structure and prevent further decay.
  3. Dental Bonding: Application of a tooth-coloured resin to the affected tooth surface, protecting damaged areas and restoring the integrity of the enamel.
  4. Crowns: Dental crowns may be recommended to cover and protect extensively eroded teeth, preventing further decay and preserving functionality.
  5. Veneers: In cases of significant enamel loss, veneers may be recommended, as they help restore the appearance and function of the affected teeth by covering the front surface with custom-made porcelain or composite shells.

Other treatment options for severe cases of enamel erosion may include root canal treatment or, in extreme cases, tooth extractions. It’s essential to consult your dentist for a thorough evaluation and a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. 

Conclusion

To sum up, understanding the causes, prevention, and treatment options for tooth enamel erosion is crucial for maintaining optimal dental health. By implementing preventive measures and seeking timely treatment from a qualified dentist in Sunshine Coast, such as those at Oris Dental, you can preserve enamel integrity and prevent dental complications. Invest in your smile today for a healthier tomorrow.

FAQs

Can tooth enamel grow back?

Unfortunately, tooth enamel cannot regenerate once lost. However, preventive measures and regular dental check-ups can help prevent further erosion.

How to fix enamel erosion?

Treatment options for teeth enamel fixes include remineralization techniques, dental bonding, veneers, or crowns, depending on the severity of the damage.

How to strengthen teeth enamel?

Maintaining good oral hygiene, using fluoride-based dental products, and avoiding carbonated beverages, sugar, acidic and high-fat food, etc., can help strengthen teeth enamel and prevent erosion. Go for regular dental check-ups, as it’s crucial for monitoring enamel health.

Dr. Adarsh Pisharodi - Dentist at Oris Dental

Dr. Adarsh Pisharodi

Dr. Adarsh Pisharodi, serving as the principal dentist at Oris Dental, brings a wealth of expertise spanning over 26 years to his esteemed practice. Specializing in cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, and orthodontics, he takes immense pride in rejuvenating countless smiles and instilling confidence in Sunshine Coast residents. As an esteemed member of the Australian Dental Association and esteemed dental societies, he remains steadfast in delivering exceptional care to his patients.

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Dr. Adarsh Pisharodi

Dr. Adarsh Pisharodi, serving as the principal dentist at Oris Dental, brings a wealth of expertise spanning over 26 years to his esteemed practice. Specializing in cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, and orthodontics, he takes immense pride in rejuvenating countless smiles and instilling confidence in Sunshine Coast residents. As an esteemed member of the Australian Dental Association and esteemed dental societies, he remains steadfast in delivering exceptional care to his patients.

Adarsh (Principal Dentist)

Adarsh

Adarsh (A-Dash) is the principal dentist at Oris Dental. Adarsh graduated as a dentist in 1996 from the University of Mumbai (Bombay, India). He entered private practice as an assistant dentist in one of the leading practices in Mumbai from 1996-2002. The practice offered all aspects of dentistry with the exception of Orthodontics. This prompted Adarsh to pursue a post graduate degree in Orthodontics and successfully completed the 3 year Full time the master’s program from University of Mumbai (Bombay, India) in 2005. Since then, Adarsh has been in private practice both as a general dentist and an orthodontist. He also served as teaching faculty at University in Mumbai for 3 yrs and when in India, he has been ‘the dentist’ to many dentists!! In 2008, Adarsh took the Australian Dental Council exam for direct recognition of his skill in Australia. He successfully completed the exams in the first attempt and moved to Australia early 2009. He has been in private practice in Australia since Jan 2009. Oris Dental was set up in Minyama in 2011. Oris Dental is now over 8 years old and is growing to be a well-respected practice in the area. He is particularly interested in Cosmetic dentistry Dental implants and Orthodontics. Adarsh hopes to use all the experience he has gained in the past 22 years, to offer the best in dentistry to all his patients in this practice. Adarsh believes in spreading smiles and has successfully designed smiles and in doing so improved the lives and self-confidence of many Sunshine Coast locals (Take a look at our Smile gallery!). Adarsh is an active member of the Australian Dental Association since 2009 He held the post of Senior Lecturer in Orthodontics in Mumbai University before moving to Australia. He is a Life member of the Indian Dental Association, serving as the General Secretary of the Association (Mumbai City Chapter) 2007-2009 He is Life member of the Indian Orthodontic Society. He is Candidate for Membership Examination MRACDS (Ortho) and plans to complete his membership exams soon. Adarsh is also currently pursuing his Diploma in Implant dentistry at the Royal College of Surgeons(Edinburgh). Adarsh has recently complete intensive training in implant placement and restoration in Neoss and TRI (Swiss) Implant system. He is married to Prachi for 15yrs and they have a 11 yr old son – Aarjav, a little daughter Aria who has just started prep and Daisy the mad Lab pup! He is currently learning to play Tennis and Badminton and loves watching the cricket!

Prachi (Owner/ Dentist)

Prachi

Prachi is the director, part time dentist at Oris Dental. Prachi graduated in 2002 from Nair hospital dental college, Mumbai (Bombay, India), one of the leading dental schools in Asia. She then worked in multiple private practices across Mumbai (Bombay, India). While working as a dentist in various practices she picked up the positives from them and implemented them into this practice at Oris Dental. She is very friendly by nature and is particularly good at handling children, preventive dentistry and hygiene. Prachi moved to Australia in 2009. Prachi has there on completed her Australian Dental council exams successfully in early 2011 and is now ready to bring in her 12 years of experience to Oris Dental. Prachi also serves as a part time dentist at the Oral Health Services Sunshine Coast in Caloundra Kawana and Nambour as needed.

Davina (Dentist)

Davina

Davina has been a part of our family since 2014. After completing her bachelor’s degree from the University of Queensland, Davina has been in private practice in an around the Sunshine coast for a year before joining us full time. Davina shows exemplary skills in building a great relationship and rapport with her patients and is well regarded by her peers. Davina is very highly regarded by her current patients. Davina currently works 3 days a week.

Lise Slack (Dental Hygienist)

Lise Stack

Our dental hygienist Lise Slack is a trained member of the dental team who works together with your dentist in preventing gum diseases and dental decay.

Lise joined OrisDental in 2015 and has worked extensively in private specialist practices. She graduated from the University of Stellenbosch in South Africa in 1982 and has had specific training and exposure to an extensive range of periodontal conditions and treatment modalities.

Lise’s dad was a professor in dentistry and this is where her love of teeth comes from. She has invented two specialist oral care products which are available in Australia and several international countries. Lise has also lectured at international dental conferences on the maintenance of dental implants and how to help patients care for their teeth once they have contracted periodontitis.

Both adults and children can benefit from having an appointment with a dental hygienist as they are taught how dental diseases occur and how it can be prevented or managed.

Lise is married to Sam and they have two daughters. They value their family time and love adventurous outdoor sports.

Jesse (Dental Assistant)

Jesse (Dental Assistant)

Jess has been a part of Oris Dental from the outset in 2011. Always cheerful and welcoming Jess is the star amongst our patients at our practice. If you cannot find Jess in the practice she will be at the beach!

 

Kaela (Receptionist)

Debra (Receptionist)

Kaela arrived at our practice in early 2021. Coming from eight years of retail experience in Northern NSW, she loves working with people and assisting in any way she can. Kaela has also just finished her training as a dental assistant. You will immediately fall in love with her happy, bubbly personality.

Abby (Sr. Dental Assistant)

Abby (Dental Assistant)

Abby is originally from Hervey Bay, but she has been calling the Sunshine Coast home with her husband and two kids for the past four and a half years. Abby completed her cert III in dental assisting in 2015 and is looking to further her studies In the near future. Abby enjoys camping, playing guitar, and travelling
the world with her family.

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    Dr. Param Dass

    Dr. Param Dass

    Param Dass graduated with a Bachelor in Dentistry from the University of Otago, NZ in 2005. He went on to complete his Bachelor in Medicine from the University of Auckland NZ in 2010.

    Param started working part time in our practice since 2015 with special interest in surgical procedures including Dental implants and bone grafting procedures, Surgical extractions including Wisdom teeth and other minor surgical procedures.

    Param is well known for being gentle and caring in treating patients with dental anxiety and maintains a calm demeanour.

    He is also well trained in working with patients with various levels of anxiety, offering dental treatment under Happy Gas, Twilight sedation or under Full general anaesthetic.

    Dr. Brayden Fracchia

    Dr. Brayden Fracchia

    Brayden hails from North Queensland, having completed his Bachelor of Dental Surgery at JCU Cairns, practicing in Hobart and outreach dentistry from Mount Isa over the course of his studies. He has worked with us since 2020. Brayden enjoys becoming a part of a community and enjoys the outdoors and sport in his spare
    time. Having only recently moved to the beautiful Sunshine Coast, Brayden is enthusiastic and well versed in all aspects of basic general dentistry and looks forward to bringing North Queensland hospitality to the South East.

    Briar

    Briar

    Briar stated off as a trainee dental assistant in our practice mid-2020. She is the youngest member of our practice and is rapidly becoming an integral part of team Oris. Briar completed her Certificate 3 in our practice in 2021 and works full time Dental assistant at Oris Dental.

    Drew

    Drew

    Drew is Oris Dental’ newest member, who has only recently moved from his hometown of Rockhampton. He is our Oral Health Therapist, who specializes in oral health education, general check-ups, fillings and more!
    He loves a good chat and a laugh at work. He prioritizes patient’s comfort and likes to encourage an environment where everyone feels a sense of security and safety in the dental setting. When Drew isn’t at work you’ll find him having a refreshing swim at the beach or having his usual dirty chai at his local cafe.

    Jasmine

    Jasmine

    Jasmine joined our practice in November 2021 and works with our Oral Health Therapist Drew. Jasmine is new to dental assistance, however is quickly taking on any and all challenges that come her way! She loves animals, and spending quality time with her husband and two kids. Welcome to the team!

    Brooke

    Brooke

    Brooke is originally from Brisbane but has been living on the coast since 2017. She brings over 15 years of experience in the dental industry and has had the opportunity to work in London and Melbourne for the Royal Flying Doctors. Brooke enjoys surfing, scuba diving and exploring the many things that the Sunny Coast has to offer.

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