Dental Erosion: Diagnosis and Treatment
Lifestyle, including diet and oral care, contribute to tooth erosion. This problem can have consequences both in aesthetic appearance and in general dental health.
What is dental erosion?
Dental erosion is the progressive and irreversible loss of dental hard tissue caused by a chemical process of acid dissolution that does not involve bacteria. It is characterized by the wearing away of the tooth enamel (protective outer layer of the teeth), which can expose the underlying dentin and cause tooth sensitivity.
Causes and risk factors of dental erosion
Tooth erosion can be caused by several factors, including:
acidic diet
Frequent consumption of acidic foods and drinks can contribute to tooth erosion. This includes carbonated drinks, unnatural fruit juices and acidic foods in general.
Acid reflux
Acid reflux, also known as heartburn, promotes tooth erosion. Stomach acid can reach the mouth and damage tooth enamel.
Aggressive tooth brushing
Brushing your teeth aggressively or using toothbrushes with hard bristles wears away tooth enamel and contributes to tooth erosion.
diseases and medicines
Some diseases and medications can increase the risk of tooth erosion. For example, gastroesophageal reflux, bulimia, and certain medications can trigger dental erosion.
Genetic factors
Some people have a greater genetic predisposition to dental erosion.
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Symptoms of dental erosion
Common symptoms of dental erosion are:
Dental sensitivity
Dentin exposure due to enamel wear often causes tooth sensitivity, especially when consuming hot, cold, or sweet foods or drinks.
Changes in tooth color
As the enamel wears away, the underlying dentin, which has a yellow color, may become more visible, resulting in changes in tooth color.
Tooth fragility
Enamel wear weakens tooth structure and increases the risk of tooth fractures.
Treatment for dental erosion
Treatment for dental erosion focuses primarily on prevention and addressing the underlying causes. Some measures that can be taken include:
Diet changes: Avoiding acidic and sugary foods and drinks can help prevent tooth erosion. It is also recommended to use reeds when consuming acidic drinks to reduce direct contact with the teeth.
Proper brushing: Brushing your teeth gently and waiting at least 20-30 minutes after consuming acidic foods or drinks before brushing your teeth can help protect tooth enamel.
In more advanced cases of dental erosion, dental aesthetic treatments such as composite, dental veneers or inlays can be used to strengthen the tooth structure.
Consult Dr. Trejos for immediate solutions
Tooth sensitivity can come from erosion of your teeth