Can tooth enamel be repaired? It is a question that dental experts have long answered. You cannot regrow your tooth enamel. Tooth enamel cannot even repair itself, as well. However, dentists advise that there are ways to protect your enamel. As a result, you can keep your enamel’s strength and repair what was left.

Tooth enamel is the thin and rigid outer layer of your teeth’s surface. It serves as the protection of your teeth against decay. In general, tooth enamel is the hardest mineral substance in the body. It is even harder than the bones. However, we tend to put it at risk, unintentionally. Enamel erosion takes place from the acids that develop through the food and drinks we take.

What is enamel erosion?

Enamel is the primary defense of our tooth. However, it is prone to wear and tear. Furthermore, enamel weakens due to overexposure to acids that attack the tooth’s surface. These acids come from the different foods and drinks we take.

Here are the usual symptoms that you may notice to identify enamel erosion.

• Your teeth have increased sensitivity to hot, cold or sweets.
• You will notice cracks and chips on your tooth.
• The color of your tooth may become yellowish or shiny.
• Your tooth can become rough around the edges.
• Indentations on your teeth also signify erosion in your enamel.

In an extended period, erosion of the enamel can lead to several complications, not limited to the following:

• Complete discoloration of teeth.
• Extreme sensitivity.
• Rough or uneven edges.
• Smooth or shiny spots.
• Intensified tooth decay.
• The gradual wearing of the enamel.
• Teeth fracture.

Common causes of tooth erosion

Several factors can instigate the erosion of teeth. You might want to know them and take actions about it.

1. Acidic foods and beverages.
2. Sugary foods.
3. Excess Vitamin C.
4. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
5. Teeth grinding or bruxism.
6. Low saliva flow (xerostomia).
7. Regular use of few medications such as antihistamines.
8. Eating disorders such as bulimia.
9. Improper and ungentle way of brushing.

Even though you cannot restore enamel, you can still do preventive measures to strengthen your tooth enamel and avoid erosion. Take a look at the best tips to protect your enamel from erosion.

Best tips to prevent enamel erosion

You can keep your tooth enamel healthier and safe from erosion. You only have to follow these simple tips regularly.

1. Limit your consumption frequency of acidic drinks and foods – for instance, sodas, citrus fruits, and juices. On the other hand, you can adjust your choices by switching to low-acid beverages.
2. It would be best to rinse your water after consuming something acidic.
3. You might not entirely avoid drinking sodas or fruit juices. In this case, it would help to drink it using a straw to keep it away from your teeth.
4. A glass of milk or a piece of cheese will help to cancel out acids.
5. Chewing a sugar free gum can also lower the amount of acid inside the mouth.
6. Keep yourself hydrated with water, especially if you have a dry mouth.
7. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush with a fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride toothpaste can help protect your teeth. Moreover, do not brush your teeth too hard.
8. Treat your existing conditions, such as bruxism or GERD.
9. It would be best to wait for at least 30 minutes after your meal before brushing.
10. Work with your dentist. They can detect erosion and can offer you the best options to reduce it.

Knowing that once enamel is gone, it’s gone for good. In this case, prevention is better than cure. It will not be hard to make some adjustments to protect the tooth enamel. We will be the one benefitting more from it in the long run.

Treatment options to work out teeth erosion

If you have intense erosion in your enamel, a dentist is the best person who can provide you with a few dental techniques to work it out. Tooth erosion is not something we can neglect. We have stated below a few treatment options that the dentist may consider for your condition.

1. Tooth bonding: In this procedure, the dentist will apply resin, a tooth-colored material, to your stained or damaged teeth. It is an excellent way to protect your tooth and cover-up discolorations caused by erosion.
2. Veneers or crowns: The dentist will consider these options if you already have a significant enamel loss. These can protect your teeth from further decay.
3. Fillings: It is a common dental procedure to repair a damaged tooth. Additionally, it can preserve the tooth’s lifespan longer.

Under severe erosion cases, you have to visit the Dental 266 team in Burwood to find the right treatment for you. They can discuss which option is also cost-effective but can still provide a long-lasting effect for your teeth erosion.

Aside from that, the dentist will not only focus on your erosion. They can immediately address potential oral issues to prevent them from progressing.

Bottom line

You cannot restore nor outgrow the enamel in your teeth. However, you can do something to protect it. It would be best to start doing preventive measures now before it’s too late. As shown above, the erosion of enamel can lead to potential complications. You don’t want to experience any of those right?

In general, erosion results from our oral practices. If we don’t make adjustments to any of these, erosion will continue to take place. Our teeth will end up in worse case scenarios. To avoid these, check the RiverlandsDental.com.au website here.