For some time, Dr Joumana Charouk and her team in LaSalle have noticed that erosion is a concern for many of their patients, who are looking for solutions to prevent or counteract this problem. So, we thought it was appropriate to prepare this article to explain the causes of this problem, the consequences it may have on your oral health, as well as ways to prevent it.
When it comes to the deterioration of dental enamel, always remember that the old adage "prevention is better than cure" applies perfectly since the erosion of enamel has irreversible consequences on the dentition.
Dental enamel: strong, but not foolproof
To understand the nature of this problem, you should start with a little lesson in anatomy. Our teeth are composed of three layers, namely:
- Enamel: the outer part of the teeth, which is white and very hard. Enamel is the protective part that aims to protect the inside of the teeth.
- Dentin: it represents the main part of the teeth. The dentin is yellowish in color and consists of thousands of small tubules that communicate with the inner part of the tooth, the pulp.
- The dental pulp: this is the part at the center of the tooth that contains the blood vessels and nerves. The dental pulp plays a crucial role during the growth phase of the dentition.
Although enamel is the hardest part of the human body, do not think it is indestructible, quite the contrary! Different factors can damage it ...
The erosion of enamel: what causes it?
Here is an overview of the factors that are likely to cause this problem, which remains quite common among the population:
- High consumption of acidic foods and drinks (soft drinks, fruit juice, citrus fruits, tomato products, etc.);
- Significant intake of sugary foods, since the bacteria in our mouth feed on sugary food residues and thus produce acids that attack the enamel directly;
- Dry mouth, since saliva has a natural ability to neutralize acids;
- poor brushing technique;
- Having gastroesophageal reflux or vomiting frequently.
How do you know if you suffer from erosion of enamel?
Your dentist will be able to diagnose an enamel erosion problem during an oral examination. However, some symptoms may suggest the presence of such a problem, which are directly related to the exposure of dentin, the underlying layer of enamel. These symptoms include:
- teeth that look yellowish or tarnished;
- The tips of teeth may become translucent when the enamel thins;
- Sensitivity to the teeth, especially in hot, cold and after eating sugary foods.
Habits to adopt to prevent erosion of enamel
The erosion of enamel is an irreversible consequence since the enamel cannot regenerate, hence the importance of preventing this problem. To do this, our dentists wanted to offer you their best advice:
- Brush after each meal and floss at least once a day. Make sure you always use the right technique to brush your teeth and avoid doing it too aggressively. Also, always use a soft-bristled toothbrush;
- Limit your intake of foods and acidic or sugary drinks;
- Limit the number of snacks between meals because the level of acidity in the mouth is highest when you finish eating;
- Drink enough water to avoid dry mouth;
- Visit your dentist regularly for your preventive dental care and for a personalized diagnosis and advice in case of erosion problem.
If the erosion of your enamel worries you, do not hesitate to talk to Dr Joumana Charouk and their team at Dents Mon Quartier dental clinic during your next visit. Our team will help you avoid the consequences of this problem to protect the health of your teeth!
Approved by Dre Charouk
Dr. Joumana Charouk, D.M.D, is proud to offer her patients exceptional care that combines experience, efficiency and good humor.
Dre Joumana Charouk, D.M.D