Are You Dealing with Tooth Erosion?
Imagine running your tongue across your teeth and feeling rough patches, sensitivity when drinking hot or cold beverages, or noticing that your teeth appear more yellow or transparent at the edges. These could be signs of tooth erosion, a common but often overlooked dental problem that can affect people of all ages.
Unlike tooth decay, which is caused by bacteria, tooth erosion occurs when acids wear away your tooth enamel—the hard, protective outer layer of your teeth. This gradual process can lead to serious oral health issues if left unaddressed. The good news? Tooth erosion is largely preventable with the right knowledge and habits.
If you’re looking for a dentist in South Miami, FL, contact Dr. Reinaldo Rios today at 305-603-9844 to schedule an appointment! We’re welcoming new patients at our dental office.
What Is Tooth Erosion?
Tooth erosion, also known as dental erosion or acid erosion, is the irreversible loss of tooth structure due to chemical processes not involving bacteria. Unlike cavities, caused by acid-producing bacteria in plaque, tooth erosion occurs when acids directly dissolve the minerals in your tooth enamel.
Enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, but it’s not indestructible. Once enamel is worn away, it can’t regrow or repair itself naturally. This makes prevention especially important.
The Tooth Erosion Process
When acids come into contact with tooth enamel, they lower the pH in the mouth and dissolve the calcium and phosphate minerals that make up the enamel. This process is called demineralization. Normally, saliva works to neutralize acids and restore minerals to the teeth (remineralization), but when acid exposure is frequent or prolonged, the balance tips toward demineralization, and erosion occurs.
Causes of Tooth Erosion
Dietary Factors
Frequent consumption of acidic items is one of the primary causes of tooth erosion. These include:
- Citrus fruits and juices (oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit)
- Soft drinks and energy drinks
- Sports drinks
- Wine (particularly white wine)
- Apple cider vinegar
- Tomato products (sauces, ketchup)
- Sour candies
How you consume acidic beverages can also affect erosion risk. Sipping acidic drinks slowly throughout the day or swishing them in your mouth increases the duration of acid exposure.
Medical Conditions
Several health conditions can contribute to tooth erosion by exposing teeth to stomach acids:
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): This condition causes stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus and sometimes into the mouth, where it can erode teeth.
- Acid Reflux: Even without a GERD diagnosis, occasional acid reflux can damage teeth if it happens frequently.
- Eating Disorders: Conditions like bulimia nervosa, which involve frequent vomiting, expose teeth to powerful stomach acids that can cause severe erosion.
- Morning Sickness: Pregnant women experiencing frequent vomiting may face an increased risk of tooth erosion.
Lifestyle Factors
- Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Reduced saliva flow means less acid neutralization and mineral replenishment, increasing erosion risk.
- Medications: Some medications can reduce saliva production or have high acidity themselves.
- Bruxism (Teeth Grinding): While not a direct cause of erosion, grinding or clenching your teeth can accelerate wear once erosion has begun.
- Swimming in Chlorinated Pools: Frequent swimmers may experience erosion due to improperly maintained pool water with low pH levels.
Treatments for Tooth Erosion
There are many treatment options for those dealing with tooth erosion, including:
- Fluoride Treatments: Professional-strength fluoride applications can help strengthen remaining enamel and reduce sensitivity.
- Dental Bonding: For minor erosion, the tooth-colored resin can be bonded to damaged areas to protect them and improve appearance.
- Desensitizing Agents: Professional products can help reduce sensitivity in affected teeth.
- Dental Crowns: For severely eroded teeth, crowns can provide full coverage protection and restore function.
- Dental Veneers: Porcelain veneers can restore the appearance of eroded front teeth while providing some protection.
- Fillings: Composite resin fillings can repair areas where dentin is exposed due to enamel loss.
To schedule an appointment at Dr Rios Dental Solutions, contact our trusted dentist in South Miami, FL today by calling 305-603-9844.
Maintain Exceptional Dental Health with Dr. Reinaldo Rios
Tooth erosion represents a significant but often overlooked threat to dental health. Your smile is worth protecting, and with the right knowledge and care, you can enjoy strong, healthy teeth for years to come.
See our dentist today by calling 305-603-9844 for an appointment.