The loss of tooth enamel may not seem like such a pressing problem at first. But if left untreated for a long period of time, the damage caused by the erosion on the enamel of the tooth is irreversible. It is important to take steps to prevent them as they will only get worse over time. If you or your loved one is looking to find out about the treatment for tooth enamel erosion, read on…
What is tooth enamel erosion?
The enamel is a dense mineral covering the outer part of our tooth. It is the hardest tissue in our body and it covers the crown which is part of the tooth. Enamel works as the defense for the tooth against chemicals from food and bacteria. This makes it prone to wear and tear, also known as enamel erosion.
How to treat tooth enamel erosion?
Prevention:
It is always recommended that we try our very best to prevent something from happening. Here are steps to take to prevent the occurrence of a tooth enamel erosion:
- Get regular dentist check ups (every 6 months), brush your teeth daily, floss and rinse with fluoride mouthwash.
- Reduce the intake of highly acidic food and drinks. If you do have meals or drinks with high acidic content, rinse your mouth after eating or drinking to get rid of any lingering acid in the mouth.
- You can use straws when drinking drinks with acidic content as it brings the liquid directly into your mouth avoiding the teeth.
- Cheese or milk can help cancel out acid.
- Avoid snacking all the time, as the mouth remains acidic after eating meals that are sweet or starchy. This can increase the risk of an erosion on the tooth.
- Drinking lots of water throughout the day helps keep the mouth clean.
- Fluoride is known to strengthen teeth, choose toothpaste with fluoride in it.
- Try to not brush your teeth too hard, or you can opt for toothbrushes with softer bristles.
- Avoid brushing immediately especially after a meal with high acidity. Wait at least an hour before brushing.
- If you suffer from an illness such as GERD, bulimia or alcoholism, do seek treatment. These illnesses are known to reduce the strength of the tooth and cause erosion.
Treatment:
Although an enamel is irreplaceable once erosion has occurred, there are still ways to repair what has happened. There are two main ways to treat an eroded tooth:
- Tooth bonding:
Tooth bonding is usually the choice for when enamel erosion is at the mild stage. The method of the procedure is to prepare a resin that matches the color of the affected tooth, which is then hardened then ‘bond’ to the tooth. The procedure should only take about an hour or less and can be done in a single appointment.
- Tooth crown:
Crowns are the best choice for more serious cases of enamel erosion. The procedure is capping a crown onto the affected tooth to protect it from further damage. A crown will restore the tooth to its normal function, allowing you to eat like normal.
If you are in Stamford and you are looking for a treatment for tooth enamel erosion, we at Stamford Dental Spa have trained and highly experienced professionals that can provide you with the proper dental care you and your loved ones need. Give us a call at (203) 324-7777 to book an appointment.