The Inside Story on Enamel Erosion

Enamel Erosion – How It Affects Your Teeth

You are what you eat. Making sure that you eat and drink the right foods and beverages, and the way you eat them, will be important to you and your teeth. If you consume too many acidic foods and beverages, the acid could be wearing away your enamel. A research study reported that dental erosion is on the increase, making prevention more important than ever.

What Is Enamel Erosion?
Enamel erosion occurs when the enamel of the teeth, the exterior layer of tissue that covers teeth, is worn away or reduced by a chemical acid process. There are two types of enamel erosion:
1. Intrinsic erosion — caused by gastric acid and acid regurgitation due to medical or psychological issues (e.g., acid reflux, anorexia, bulimia, etc. ).
2. Extrinsic erosion – occurs when dietary acids (e.g., sugar consumption, diet drinks, fruit drinks, carbonated drinks, etc.) contribute to the mouth being in a very acidic state.

Signs of Enamel Erosion
When the enamel on the teeth wears down, it can cause several things to occur:

• Teeth may become further worn down.
• Teeth become discolored because the enamel has worn away and the dentine is exposed.
• The edges of the front teeth may look transparent.
• Tooth sensitivity can occur when the enamel is worn away both on the lip and tongue surfaces of the teeth. The dentine, the layer of tissue under the enamel, is a softer than enamel and it is more sensitive to touch, air, biting forces and acid exposure.

If you notice these types of changes in your mouth, please consult your dentist.

What Changes Can Be Made to Improve Your Teeth?
Once a dentist has examined your teeth, you may want to discuss what your next steps are to reduce dental erosion in your mouth:

1. Over what time span have you been suffering from enamel erosion?
2. Identify the frequency of acid intake and how the acids are consumed.
3. Consult a nutritionist to assist in dietary assessment and reducing acid intake.
4. Determine if you suffer from gastric reflux, regurgitation or eating disorders.
5. Identify which teeth will need to be replaced by cosmetic restorations and/or bonding agents.