Enamel Erosion: What Can My Dentist Do To Fix It?

What Is Tooth Enamel & How Can You Protect Your Teeth From Erosion?

Tooth enamel is the hard, outer layer that covers your teeth. It’s made up of minerals, primarily hydroxyapatite. Enamel protects your teeth from the everyday wear and tear of chewing, biting, and grinding. It also insulates your teeth against hot and cold temperatures.

Your tooth enamel starts to form before you’re even born. By the time you turn six months old, your baby teeth will have fully developed enamel. Once your adult teeth come in, around age six, they too will have a full layer of enamel.

Despite its strength, though, enamel can be eroded by acidic foods and drinks, as well as stomach acid from GERD and other conditions. If you have erosion, your Ohio dentist may recommend one or more of the following treatment options.

Treatment Options For Teeth Erosion

Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride is a mineral that helps to remineralize tooth enamel. When applied directly to the teeth in the form of a varnish, gel, or rinse, it can help to reverse the effects of enamel erosion. Your Garfield Heights dentist may recommend fluoride treatments if you have early signs of tooth erosion.

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is a procedure in which your Cuyahoga Falls dentist applies a tooth-colored resin to the affected teeth. The resin bonds to the tooth, restoring its shape and protecting it from further damage. Bonding can be used to treat small areas of enamel erosion.

Crowns

Crowns are tooth-shaped caps that are placed over the affected teeth. They are made from porcelain or ceramic, and they can be matched to the color of your natural teeth. Crowns are usually used to treat more severe cases of enamel erosion.

Veneers

Veneers are thin, tooth-colored shells that are bonded to the front surface of the affected teeth. Like crowns, they are made from porcelain or ceramic. Veneers can be used to treat both small and large areas of enamel erosion.

Protecting Your Tooth Enamel

The best way to protect your tooth enamel is to avoid acidic foods and drinks. If you do eat or drink something acidic, be sure to brush your teeth soon afterwards. Try to wait at least 30 minutes after eating or drinking before brushing, though, as this gives the acid time to dissipate.

You should also see your Massillon dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. These appointments give your dentist a chance to identify any early signs of tooth erosion and recommend treatment options accordingly.

If you have any concerns about tooth erosion or your oral health in general, be sure to talk to your dentist. They can help you develop a personalized treatment plan to restore and protect your smile.

Pure Health Dental