A tooth enamel erosion occurs when the enamel parts begin to wear away after being in your tooth get into contact with acids in your mouth. Your tooth enamel is the clean thin outer part of your tooth. It is harder than your bones and covers the crown part of your tooth. It protects your dentine, which is the part that makes up the color of your tooth be it white or yellow.
Your tooth enamel assists you in daily routine activities such as grinding, chewing, and biting of your food. Also, the enamel protects you against chemicals and extreme temperatures. The enamel is irreplaceable and once it erodes, you cannot repair it.
Causes of Enamel Erosion
The first cause of enamel erosion is drinking too much soda or sugary stuff. Most sodas have a high percentage of citric and phosphoric acids. Also, the bacteria present in your mouth relies and thrives heavily on sugar. They make the citric and phosphoric acids erode your enamel faster.
Other causes of enamel erosion include the consumption of sticky candies which also have a lot of acids and leave small particles on your teeth. Having a low saliva flow also causes erosion. Saliva helps keep your teeth strong and healthy by washing away bacteria and food particles in your mouth. It also maintains the pH levels in your mouth.
Signs of Enamel Erosion
The first sign of enamel erosion is having sensitive teeth. When you have enamel loss in your teeth you will start to feel a twinge of pain when you eat foods that are hot or cold. Another sign is the discoloration of your tooth. After erosion, your tooth dentine turns to a yellow color after its exposure to the acids and bacteria in your mouth.
In the later stages of enamel erosion, you will feel severe pain in your teeth. For further information, visit our offices today and learn more about enamel erosion!