Dental erosion is the loss of tooth structure as a result of exposure to acids.
Enamel, which is the hardest material in the body, is the protective cover on teeth that protects the dentine (which is the inside part of the tooth), and the pulp which is made up of nerves and blood vessels.
Erosion can dissolve the enamel and expose the dentine. Once exposed, dentine will wear faster than enamel. Erosion can cause the teeth to become sensitive, yellow in colour, and can lead to decay. Dental erosion is a silent epidemic.
Causes
1. Poor saliva quality
2. Beverages (soft drinks, sports drinks, cordials etc)
3. Medication can dry the mouth or produce poor saliva
4. Diabetes
5. Eating disorders
Tooth erosion can be very costly to repair. Restorative treatment can vary from simple procedures such as resin bonding to more complex treatments such as multiple crowns.
Measures to prevent dental erosion
• Drink plenty of water
• Restrict acidic beverages
• Use a soft toothbrush with fluoride toothpaste
• Chew sugar free gum
We advise you visit your FirstBite dentist for regular checkups. The cost of regular dentist checkups is minimal compared to what the cost may be if your teeth go unchecked for a long period of time.