One of the more common dental problems is tooth erosion, which basically means the wearing away of the outer layer of your teeth, called enamel. This can cause tooth sensitivity and many other dental problems in the long term.
Do not worry; there are easy ways through which you can prevent and treat tooth erosion. Now, let us learn more about what really causes it and how you manage to keep your teeth strong and healthy.
What Causes Tooth Erosion?
- Acidic foods and drinks: Keep in mind that if you always consume acidic foods and drinks like fizzy soft drinks, citrus, and vinegar, they can make your enamel wear out.
- Poor oral hygiene: If you rarely brush your teeth and floss them, then the food acid, along with the plaque, can start dissolving your teeth.
- Dry mouth: Saliva washes the acid along with bacteria. When you have a dry mouth, you might be at great risk for tooth erosion.
- Acid Reflux: It allows stomach acid to rise up in the mouth and aids in wearing the teeth out.
- Snacking: As you snack throughout the day and night, the frequency of exposure to the acids is higher.
How to Prevent Tooth Erosion
A. Eat a Varied Diet: The intake of acidic foods and drinks needs to be limited. Instead, it would help if you enjoyed a variety of vegetables, fruits, dairy products, and lean proteins.
B. Drink Water: Water lets one wash out the acids and irrigates the mouth. Drink at least one glass of water after every meal or anything acidic you drink.
C. Use a Straw: Drink an acidic beverage through a straw, which would minimize its contact with the teeth.
D. Chew Sugar-Free Gum: It will increase saliva, which is the natural defence against acid flowing down from the tooth.
E. Good Oral Hygiene care:
- Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day:This should be done using a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Flossing: This will help to remove food particles and plaque between your teeth that your toothbrush can’t reach.
F. Regular Dental Check-ups: You should visit the dentist every six months for check-ups and dental cleanings near you. Your dentist can recognize the first signs of tooth erosion and inform you about measures for its avoidance.
How to Treat Tooth Erosion
When you already have tooth erosion, do not panic! There are several tooth erosion treatments available for the same:
- Fluoride Treatments: Your dentist might apply fluoride to teeth to toughen your enamel. You can also use fluoride mouthwashes and toothpaste at home.
- Dental Bonding: If there is a case of more extensive erosion, your dentist may protect your seriously damaged teeth by covering them with tooth-coloured resin.
- Crowns: In the case of more erosion of the teeth, crowns may be necessary. These are caps that envelop the whole tooth and reinstate its original shape and function.
- Root Canal Treatment: In the worst cases of erosion, when it has reached the inner layers and results in pain, then root canal treatment is necessary, as it will need to remove the bad tissue to retain the tooth.
- Lifestyle Changes: Dietary modifications, together with oral hygiene practices, may prevent further erosion processes and keep the teeth healthy and intact.
Avyan Family Dental Can Treat Your Tooth Erosion
Though the term “tooth erosion” sounds a little intimidating, the truth is that it is really not that difficult to prevent and treat if it is given a little care and attention. You can protect your teeth against erosion with a proper diet, good oral hygiene habits, following the advice of your healthcare provider, and frequent dental checkups and cleanings.
If you have tooth erosion, then there is nothing to be worried about; there are some effective treatments that can easily restore your teeth to what they once were. Just keep these simple tips in mind, and you can have a healthy smile for years to come. For further assistance from a dentist in NW Calgary, visit Avyan Family Dental at the earliest.