Enamel Repair
What is tooth enamel?
Tooth enamel constitutes the thin outer layer of a tooth, forming a resilient shell that ranks as the hardest tissue in the human body. Covering the visible part of the tooth, known as the crown, enamel is translucent, allowing light to pass through it. The color of the tooth, whether white, off-white, grey, or yellowish, is influenced by the dentin, the main portion of the tooth beneath the enamel. Despite its toughness, enamel can be stained by substances like coffee, tea, cola, red wine, fruit juices, and cigarettes. Regular dental cleanings help remove surface stains, ensuring dental health.
What does tooth enamel do?
Tooth enamel serves as a protective shield for teeth, safeguarding them from the daily wear and tear caused by chewing, biting, crunching, and grinding. Although enamel is robust, it can chip or crack. Additionally, enamel insulates teeth from extreme temperatures and chemicals. When erosion occurs, sensitivity to hot or cold foods, drinks, and sweets can result, as these substances can penetrate the enamel holes and reach the nerves inside. Unlike bones, teeth cannot repair chipped or cracked enamel due to the absence of living cells in enamel.
What causes enamel erosion?
Enamel erosion transpires when acids wear away tooth enamel. Various factors contribute to this erosion, such as the consumption of acidic beverages like soft drinks, fruit juices, and certain medications. Dry mouth, a high-sugar diet, acid reflux, gastrointestinal issues, and environmental factors like friction, wear, tear, stress, and corrosion can also lead to enamel erosion. Eating disorders like bulimia, characterized by frequent vomiting, are significant contributors to enamel erosion and tooth decay.
Does plaque cause enamel erosion?
Plaque, a sticky film comprising saliva, food particles, bacteria, and other substances, can cause enamel erosion. Bacteria in plaque convert food starches into acids, which then corrode the healthy minerals in tooth enamel, leading to pitting and wear. Plaque forms between teeth, inside pits, around fillings, and near the gum line, exacerbating enamel erosion.
What are the signs of enamel erosion?
The signs of enamel erosion vary depending on the stage of erosion. Initial signs may include sensitivity to certain foods and temperatures, discoloration, rough and jagged tooth edges, smooth and shiny surfaces indicating mineral loss, painful sensitivity, and indentations on the tooth surface. As enamel erodes, teeth become more susceptible to cavities and tooth decay, potentially leading to severe abscesses or infections.
How to prevent enamel loss?
Preventing enamel loss involves maintaining good oral hygiene practices such as regular brushing, flossing, and rinsing with fluoride mouthwash. Additionally, limiting the consumption of highly acidic foods and drinks, using a straw for acidic beverages, finishing meals with dairy products, avoiding frequent snacking, chewing sugar-free gum, increasing water intake, using fluoride toothpaste, and using a soft toothbrush can aid in preventing enamel erosion. Sealants and seeking treatment for conditions like bulimia, alcoholism, or acid reflux are also essential preventive measures.
Can you get too much fluoride?
Yes, excessive fluoride intake can lead to enamel fluorosis, causing defects in tooth enamel, particularly in children. Enamel fluorosis can result from fluoride supplements, fluoridated water, and swallowing fluoride toothpaste. While mild cases are generally not concerning, severe fluorosis can cause discolored and pitted teeth. Monitoring fluoride intake, especially in children, is crucial to prevent this condition.
How is tooth enamel loss treated?
The treatment for tooth enamel loss depends on its severity. Tooth bonding can be used for minor cases to enhance both protection and appearance. For significant enamel loss, dental options like crowns or veneers might be recommended. Crowns can safeguard the tooth from further decay, ensuring dental health and functionality.