Our teeth are covered by a thin layer of material called tooth enamel. This layer protects teeth from daily wear and tear, such as grinding down food. Most patients don’t notice tooth damage until the advanced stages. When the enamel dissolves, the teeth become more susceptible to damage, discoloration, and decay. Tooth enamel erosion is one of the more serious dental concerns we treat in Philadelphia, PA.
Dr. Conover understands how important strong enamel is for your overall oral health. If you think your enamel might be wearing down, he can examine your teeth to see how much damage has been done. Then, he’ll recommend the best treatment to help protect and restore your smile.
Depending on your needs, Dr. Conover may use cosmetic or restorative treatments to build back your tooth strength. These may include dental bonding, veneers, or crowns to cover and protect your teeth. Each treatment is carefully chosen to match your smile and improve both the look and health of your teeth.
What Causes Tooth Enamel Erosion?
Tooth enamel is the hard, protective outer layer of your teeth. It helps protect your teeth from damage while you eat and drink. But over time, certain things can wear away at your tooth’s outer layer, which is called enamel erosion.
One of the biggest causes of enamel erosion is the food and drinks we consume. Sugary snacks, soda, fruit juices, and even sports drinks can be harmful. These foods and drinks can lower the pH level in your mouth and make your saliva more acidic. Acid can slowly dissolve the enamel on your teeth, making them weaker and more likely to get cavities or feel sensitive.
Tooth enamel can also be worn down by stomach acid. If you have a condition like acid reflux or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), stomach acid can rise into your mouth and damage your enamel. Certain medications, especially those that dry out your mouth, can also increase the risk of enamel erosion.
Once enamel is gone, it doesn’t grow back. That’s why it’s important to brush your teeth twice a day, avoid too much sugar or acid, and see Dr. Conover regularly. Taking care of your enamel now can help protect your teeth for life.
Signs of Tooth Enamel Erosion
Common symptoms of tooth erosion include:
- Tooth sensitivity, especially to hot, cold, or sweet food and drinks
- Chipped teeth or sharp tooth edges
- Tooth discoloration or darkening of the teeth
- Thinning or shortened teeth may be recognized as changes in the bite
- Pain or irritation in the mouth
Can mouthwash wear down my teeth?
Mouthwash usually doesn’t wear down your teeth if you use it the right way. Many mouthwashes help keep your mouth clean and fight cavities, bad breath, and gum disease. But some types of mouthwash have a lot of acid or alcohol in them. If you use those too often, they can slowly wear away the outer layer of your teeth.
Enamel protects your teeth from damage, so it doesn’t grow back once it’s worn down. That’s why choosing a gentle mouthwash is important, especially if you already have sensitive teeth. Look for a mouthwash that says “alcohol-free” or “pH-balanced” on the label.
Treatment for Tooth Enamel Erosion
If your teeth have already been damaged by enamel erosion, don’t worry, we can help fix the problem. Our dental care team offers both cosmetic and restorative treatments to improve how your teeth look and work. These treatments protect your teeth, prevent further damage, and restore your smile.
Dr. Conover uses different options depending on how much damage the erosion has caused.
- Veneers: One option is porcelain veneers. Veneers are thin covers that go over the front of your teeth. They’re made to match the color of your natural teeth, so they blend in well and make your smile look bright and even.
- Crowns: A crown is a strong cap that covers the whole tooth. It helps protect weak or worn-down teeth from breaking or getting worse. Crowns are great for teeth that have lost a lot of enamel.
- Dental Bonding: For smaller problems, we may recommend cosmetic bonding. Dental bonding is a simple and affordable way to fix chips, discoloration, or small spots of erosion. Dr. Conover uses a tooth-colored material to repair the tooth, and it can often be done in just one visit.
How to Prevent Tooth Enamel Erosion
One of the best ways to protect your enamel is to practice healthy dental habits every day. Brush your teeth twice a day using a toothpaste made for sensitive teeth. This type of toothpaste is gentle on enamel. It’s also important to visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.
If you think you might have acid reflux or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), talk to your doctor. These conditions cause stomach acid to come up into your mouth, which can wear down enamel over time. While GERD is a long-term condition, it can often be managed with the right treatment.
Here are some ways to help prevent enamel erosion caused by acid reflux:
- Avoid trigger foods like spicy or fried foods, tomatoes, chocolate, soda, citrus fruits, coffee, and alcohol.
- Stop smoking because it can make acid reflux worse.
- Try to lose weight if needed, as being overweight can increase your risk for GERD.
- Drink lots of water to wash away acid.
- Raise the head of your bed so acid stays in your stomach at night.
While antacids can help with heartburn, don’t use them too much. Overuse can lead to other dental problems. Always ask your doctor or dentist what’s best for you.
Schedule a Dental Exam and Consultation Today
Do you have worn and discolored teeth? You can get a bright and full smile when you treat tooth erosion in Philadelphia, PA. Call us today for an exam at (215) 395-6076. You can also request an appointment online with Dr. Conover.
We’re here to restore eroded teeth. Dr. Conover is currently welcoming new patients in Center City, Philadelphia, and surrounding communities.