Tooth Enamel Erosion: The Causes and How to Fix
Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in your body – even tougher than bone. – That means your teeth may be small, but incredibly strong. As a result, it’s imperative to protect your tooth enamel and prevent erosion to keep your teeth healthy and strong. The challenge? Everyday life (and even your oral health routine) can get in the way. Here’s how to spot the signs and causes of enamel erosion and how to prevent it from happening.
What Is Tooth Enamel Erosion?
Enamel is the hard white layer around each tooth that serves as a protective barrier against dietary and plaque acids, physical wear, and temperature sensitivity. Over time, factors such as diet, poor oral hygiene, vitamin deficiencies, and health issues can weaken or wear away enamel. This gradual loss of enamel is called enamel erosion.
What Are the Stages of Enamel Erosion?
Enamel erosion is a gradual process, and it’s important to understand how it happens so you can be on the lookout for any signs that it has started on your own teeth. You can intervene in the early stages of enamel erosion.
- Demineralization – When the minerals on your teeth begin to separate from your enamel. This can appear as chalky white spots on your teeth and can be reversed by using Fluoride treatments or making dietary changes.
- Enamel Decay or Thinning – When the enamel gradually wears away and possibly develops a rougher texture. The underlying dentin layer, which is naturally yellow in color, may begin to show through, and you may experience heightened teeth sensitivity.
- Dentin Exposure – When your enamel layer has worn down significantly, showing even more of your dentin layer. Your teeth will feel even more sensitive, and you may notice ridges, indentations, or discoloration in your teeth.
- Cavity Formation – Once enamel erosion has progressed passed the dentin layer, small holes, known as cavities, can begin to form. At this stage, the tooth structure is permanently damaged, and bacteria can easily penetrate deeper layers of the tooth. Professional dental treatment, such as fillings, is necessary to prevent further decay and protect the inner pulp from infection.
What Are the Main Signs of Tooth Enamel Erosion?
- Tooth yellowing. When enamel breaks down or wears away, your teeth will appear more yellow in color because the dentin layer beneath your enamel has a natural yellow tone.
- Increased tooth sensitivity. When enamel wears away, the dentin layer is exposed, allowing food that is hot, cold, acidic, sticky or sweet to irritate the nerves deep within the tooth, causing sensitivity.
- Dents and damage. As enamel erodes, your teeth change, becoming more indented on the surface, with the edges becoming more jagged and rough.
- Tooth decay. Without the protective enamel layer, small cavities can develop on the hard surface of your teeth, causing permanent, tiny holes that can get larger and deeper over time — leaving the inner layers of your teeth exposed, and requiring a trip or two to the dentist.
What Causes Enamel Erosion?
Knowledge is power, and knowing what can damage your enamel is your first line of defense in protecting it! Here are the usual suspects that can damage enamel:
- Sugary, starchy, and acidic foods like citrus fruits, candy (especially sour candy), dried fruit, and tomato sauce.
- Sodas and fruit drinks, including wine, sports drinks, and juices.
- Acid reflux, as too much acid in the mouth can lead to erosion.
- Tooth grinding can lead to cracking in the enamel, which would allow acids in to erode your teeth.
- Dry mouth because saliva usually neutralizes the acid in your mouth that can cause erosion.
- Plaque, because the bacteria in plaque produce acid that dissolves enamel.
- Chewing ice, as the action can lead to cracks in your enamel.
Is Dental Erosion Painful?
Dental erosion on your teeth can be painful, as your teeth are more sensitive when the enamel layer is thinner. When your enamel erodes, it exposes the dentin layer of your teeth, which is also much more sensitive.
If the enamel layer of your teeth has eroded, you may find your teeth feeling more sensitive when drinking very hot or very cold beverages, or when you’re eating acidic or sugary foods.
Can Mouthwash Help Enamel Erosion?
Mouthwash cannot help recover any lost enamel, but it can help prevent enamel erosion by eliminating any residual acid or sugar on your teeth after eating.
How to Prevent Tooth Enamel Erosion:
While eroded enamel cannot be restored, there are several things you can do to prevent enamel erosion ahead of time.
- Use a straw when you drink acidic drinks like soda or citrus juices, so your teeth are protected — or avoid them altogether.
- Rinse your mouth with water after eating or drinking acidic foods to remove acids on your teeth.
- Drink more water to avoid dry mouth: saliva contains important minerals that strengthen your teeth.
- Fight plaque with Arm & Hammer™ Peroxicare Gum Health Toothpaste, which targets plaque and neutralizes harmful acids in your mouth that can weaken your enamel.
- Brush twice daily with an enamel-strengthening fluoride toothpaste like Arm & Hammer™ Enamel Defense Toothpaste. Fluoride helps remineralize weakened enamel by redepositing lost minerals, while baking soda neutralizes enamel-eroding acids and Liquid Calcium™ technology helps repair and fortify the enamel surface for strong, resilient teeth.
There’s no doubt that your enamel is the first line of defense for tooth protection. Knowing what to do — and what not to do — can help you keep this tough-yet-vulnerable layer working hard instead of wearing away.
