Tooth erosion: causes, symptoms and treatment & bull; hello healthy

Definition

What is tooth erosion?

Dental erosion or tooth erosion is the process of the erosion of the tooth enamel layer caused by food and drink or acidic substances originating from the body.

Enamel is a tooth structure in the form of a hard protective layer of teeth, which protects the dentin layer in it which is sensitive.

If the tooth enamel layer is eroded, the dentin underneath will be exposed and can cause pain and sensitivity in the sufferer.

How common is tooth erosion?

Erosion of teeth is a common condition when you pay less attention to food and drink intake, don't maintain oral hygiene, and have certain health conditions that can affect your dental health.

Generally, tooth erosion does not require medical attention from a dentist. However, if tooth erosion causes other symptoms, such as sensitive teeth or aching pain, you should consult a doctor for more information.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of tooth erosion?

One sign of tooth erosion that begins to erode teeth is a change in the appearance of the tooth surface that appears smoother and more shiny. This also has the potential to expose the inner tooth structure, namely the enamel, to become sensitive to sugary, hot, or cold foods and drinks.

Apart from the symptoms of mild tooth erosion which only cause sensitive teeth or soreness, this dental health problem can also develop into a more serious condition. Some of the signs that you need to watch out for include:

• Tooth discoloration: As the enamel wears off, the dentine will begin to expose, which can cause the appearance of yellow teeth.
• Cracked and uneven teeth: The edges of the teeth will become harder and irregularly patterned as the enamel begins to erode.
• Increased sensitivity: The eroded enamel layer causes the teeth to be more sensitive to sweet foods and temperature, causing discomfort for the sufferer.

Problems in the form of cavities (caries) are also more susceptible if the enamel layer is further eroded. The pinhole might not cause any problems.

However, if a cavity develops and affects the tiny nerves in it, this can lead to tooth abscesses and very painful infections.

Tooth erosion may also cause signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, you should immediately consult your doctor.

When should I see a dentist?

You may not need to consult a doctor if the feeling of sore or sensitive teeth disappears when you remove risk factors and perform proper dental care.

However, if you notice abnormal conditions in your teeth, such as tooth discoloration, cracks, and increased sensitivity and occur continuously, you should immediately consider visiting a dentist.

Cause

What are the causes of tooth erosion?

Anytime you consume acidic foods and drinks, this can make the enamel layer softer and lose some of the mineral. The salivary glands function to neutralize acid in the mouth and return it to normal conditions.

However, if acidic foods and drinks are consumed continuously and followed by inappropriate dental care, of course this will accelerate the process of erosion of the teeth.

Tooth erosion can also occur due to health problems experienced by sufferers, for example from acidic substances in the stomach and digestive system. Some of the causes of tooth erosion are as follows.

• Consumption of excess soft drinks with high levels of phosphorus and citric acid
• Fruit drinks, because some acids from these types of drinks are corrosive
• Foods high in sugar and starch
• Low saliva production and dry mouth (xerostomia)
• Gastric acid
• Indigestion
• Medicines, such as aspirin, antihistamines
• Genetic and hereditary conditions
• Environmental factors, such as friction, wear, stress, and corrosion

Treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How to treat tooth erosion?

If you experience pain or tenderness while eating, you can do the following to relieve the pain before making a visit to the dentist.

• Gargle warm water to remove food debris stuck in between the teeth and cavities.
• Use dental floss (dental floss) to remove food stuck between the teeth.
• Do not use aspirin by placing it on the affected tooth or the gum tissue around it.

Meanwhile, for the condition of severe tooth erosion, the dentist will recommend repairing the damaged tooth structure, for example through the veneer process. This can protect the tooth from further damage that will worsen the condition.

Furthermore, it is very important for you to regularly carry out dental examinations at least every six months to find out signs of erosion from an early age, to find out the causes, and to take preventive measures.

Prevention

What can you do to prevent tooth erosion?

Reported by the Oral Health Foundation, there are several things you can do to protect tooth enamel and prevent tooth erosion, including:

• Only consume sour foods and drinks or soft drinks only at mealtimes. This can reduce the number of acid reactions in the teeth.
• Drink quickly without holding the drink in your mouth or "gargling". Use a straw to help deliver the drink directly to the back of your mouth, thereby reducing the duration of contact with your teeth.
• Eating cheese or milk after eating, because it can overcome acids.
• Chew sugar-free gum after meals. This helps the production of saliva to flush out acids that build up in the mouth after eating.
• Wait at least an hour after consuming acidic foods or drinks before brushing your teeth. This can give the teeth time to build up mineral content again.
• Brush your teeth properly and regularly twice a day using fluoride toothpaste. We recommend using the toothbrush type with a small head and medium to fine bristles.
• Do not rush to rinse toothpaste after brushing your teeth, this is so that the fluoride content can last longer on the teeth.

In addition to some of the precautionary steps above, you can also adopt a healthy and balanced lifestyle, including the intake of food and drink. In addition, if tooth erosion is caused by other health problems, such as stomach acid or dry mouth, you should immediately consult your doctor.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.