Tooth enamel is one of the strongest substances in all of nature. It has to be in order to withstand the rigors of biting and chewing every day over the course of a human lifetime. Unfortunately, even the strongest natural substances are not indestructible. This is why millions of people turn to advanced restorative dentistry procedures each year to reconstruct the delicate structures of their mouths. What many of these people do not realize, however, is that they could have saved themselves money, time, discomfort, and trouble simply by visiting their dentists twice a year and taking proper preventive measures to preserve their precious tooth enamel before it had eroded.
At DeJesus Dental Group in Bridgeport, tooth erosion treatments are available to treat all stages of enamel erosion, from mild to advanced. Our acclaimed team of dental professionals has the skills to return the mouths of our patients to optimal oral health while providing those patients with the knowledge they need to take proper care of their teeth in between dental visits. As a patient of DeJesus Dental Group, you can rest assured that you will be in the best and most caring of hands at all times.
Common Causes of Tooth Erosion
The human mouth is naturally filled with acids that can cause tooth enamel to erode. This would be true even if you never introduced a single acid-containing food or liquid into your mouth. If you are like most people, however, you probably consume certain foods and beverages that are high in acidic content, including citrus fruits, berries, wine, soda, salad dressings, tomatoes and tomato-based sauces, vinegar, jams, and jellies.
Other common causes of tooth erosion include:
- Vomiting: People who vomit unusually often or who suffer from bulimia are more likely to experience tooth erosion.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): This common digestive condition involves the backflow of stomach acids into the esophagus, with some of these acids leaking into the mouth, where they can cause tooth enamel to erode.
- Smoking: Cigarette smoke can cause damage to all of the mouth’s soft and hard tissues, including tooth enamel.
- Teeth grinding: Clinically known as bruxism, chronic teeth grinding can cause permanent damage to enamel.
Unlike some parts of the body, tooth enamel does not regenerate once it becomes eroded. Once it is gone, it is gone. While modern dentistry can help to restore the teeth to good health, there is no replacement for the teeth’s original enamel, which provides exceptional protection against bacteria and food particles.
Tooth Erosion Treatments
In the case of tooth erosion, the best treatment truly is prevention. By visiting our office at least twice a year for thorough oral exams and professional cleanings as recommended by the American Dental Association and practicing excellent oral hygiene at home between office visits, you can keep your enamel strong and intact. If your enamel has begun to recede, our dentists can recommend a treatment plan that will help to restore health to your teeth.
Learn More about Tooth Erosion Causes and Treatments
To learn more about tooth erosion causes and treatments, please schedule an appointment today.