Tooth erosion refers to the gradual loss of the outer layer of the tooth, i.e. tooth enamel, which has the function of covering and protecting the teeth. Thus, the teeth become less resistant to external materials and factors. What are the causes of tooth erosion?

Causes of tooth erosion from the roots

Root erosion occurs when the damage is deep and reaches the roots of the teeth, after the enamel layer has disappeared and the dentin layer has been damaged. 

People are susceptible to tooth root erosion due to:

• Dental nerve inflammation. 
• gingivitis. 
• صرير الأسنان Chronic. 
• Excessive consumption of food and drinks.
• Eating a lot of sweets and sugars, in addition to neglecting dental hygiene.
• Digestive system problems, such as reflux and the return of acidic fluids from the stomach to the mouth.

Causes of erosion of front teeth

Corrosion takes the form of ridges below the upper teeth and above the lower teeth, in addition to the presence of some cracks in the area separating the teeth and gums.

There are some reasons that lead to erosion of the front teeth, including the following:

• Rubbing teeth together. 
•  Use a hard toothbrush to clean teeth. 
• Using teeth to break hard objects. 
• Excessive intake of acidic foods. 
• Stomach disorders and the return of stomach acids to the mouth. 
• Excessive consumption of soft drinks.
•  Decreased saliva secretion or dry mouth.
•  Eating a high percentage of sugar and starches.
• بعض الأدوية.
• Genetic factors.

Treatment of tooth erosion

Tooth erosion is diagnosed after the dentist carefully examines the mouth and teeth, looking for any signs of dental problems, such as erosion, cracks, or changes in the gums.

In some cases, the dentist requests an x-ray of the jaw and teeth, in order to determine the extent of the effect of dental erosion on the skeleton and the rest of the teeth.

The problem of tooth erosion appears from the following signs:

• Yellowing of teeth due to the appearance of dark tissue through thinning of tooth enamel.
• The tooth surface appears smooth due to the effect of abrasion. 
• Teeth appear shorter than usual as a result of wear that affects the length of the teeth.
• Fillings may appear that protrude from the surrounding tooth surface due to wear.
• The appearance of soft, concave pits on the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
• Excessive tooth sensitivity to sugars, hot and cold foods and drinks, which occurs in the form of tingling and pain. 

The methods used to treat tooth enamel erosion include the following:

•  Dental bonding technology

 It is a technique in which a tooth-colored substance known as resin is applied to treat damaged teeth after erosion. The resin covers the color changes and also protects and strengthens the tooth structure.

• Cosmetic dental procedures

The dentist resorts to treating tooth enamel erosion with cosmetic dentistry, when the tooth enamel is severely eroded with cracks and fractures in the teeth. 

Examples of cosmetic dental procedures include: installing dental bridges, and Veneer Teeth Or porcelain veneers and crowns. These procedures use a porcelain-like material designed to match the natural color of the teeth to cover the damaged teeth, acting as a replacement for the damaged tooth enamel.

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Treatment of tooth erosion from the roots

Tooth roots are treated in two or more sessions, depending on the extent of tooth damage and erosion, and it includes the following steps:  

• The dentist examines the affected teeth, and may sometimes need to take x-rays to determine the extent of the damage and ensure that a nerve filling is the appropriate treatment. 
• The doctor begins the procedure with local anesthesia, then makes an opening in the tooth. 
• Using small instruments, he removes the nerves, blood vessels, and tissue inside the tooth (pulp). 
• Once the pulp is removed, the dentist cleans and sterilizes the root canal. 
•  The doctor uses a flexible, rubbery material to fill the gap in the tooth and then places a temporary filling to close the tooth and prevent bacteria from entering. 
• Finally, the dentist places a crown on the teeth to protect them and allow them to chew easily. 

There are different types of crowns that the patient can choose what suits him, and it usually takes two weeks to manufacture them according to the measurements taken by the dentist. 

When the crown is ready, the doctor removes the temporary filling and places the permanent filling and then the crown. 

Treatment of front tooth erosion

From the medical side, the steps for treating front tooth erosion include the following:

• Apply fluoride to the surface of the teeth, as well as to areas that have been exposed to erosion. 
•  The doctor recommends using a fluoride mouthwash during treatment, but you must be careful not to use it excessively.
•  Dentin damage is treated with composite fillings, which are a material whose color is very similar to the color of white teeth, thus reducing the degree of sensitivity in the teeth and preventing further erosion.
• With severe tooth erosion, the dentist resorts to Lumineer dental contact lenses to make the appearance of the teeth more attractive.
• The dentist uses veneers or dental crowns in more serious cases to prevent further tooth wear and damage.

How does front tooth erosion appear?

Erosion of the front teeth is an oral health problem that often looks like this

1. Teeth are thinner and less white, due to the erosion of the enamel layer.
2. Increased sensitivity to texture, taste, and temperature.
3. Cracks and fractures.
4. Color changes.
5. Cavities on the surface of the teeth.

If your abrasion is significant, you may experience the following symptoms

1. الألم.
2. High sensitivity when exposed to hot, cold, or spicy foods and drinks.

How to prevent front tooth erosion

Prevention is better than cure to maintain healthy teeth and a healthy smile.

• Brush your teeth at least twice daily.
• Use fluoride toothpaste to help strengthen tooth enamel.
• Add mouthwash to your daily routine;
• Reduce your intake of sugary and acidic foods and drinks.
• Visit the dentist regularly;
• Wait at least half an hour after eating, then brush your teeth, to give your saliva enough time to remove acids from your mouth.
• Use dental floss daily to get rid of food debris and plaque from between your teeth.
• Rinse your mouth with water between snacks and main meals.

Frequently asked questions

What is the cause of tooth erosion?

Tooth enamel is the outer covering of teeth and the material that protects teeth from injury, harm and chemical damage. In fact, it is the strongest tissue in the human body, even harder than bone.

It should be noted that the enamel on the teeth cannot be rebuilt, and enamel erosion leads to a change in the color of the teeth and a feeling of discomfort, but erosion can be avoided through dental care and hygiene.

 Tooth erosion occurs for several reasons, such as:

• Wrong eating habits, which is the main cause of tooth erosion, such as eating acidic foods, soft drinks, sugary and starchy foods. 
• Decreased saliva flow.
• بعض الأدوية.
• Digestive disorders that expose teeth to stomach acids.
• Genetic disorders, such as enamel hypoplasia affecting tooth growth.

How do I stop tooth erosion?

It should be noted that enamel is a very hard material, and unfortunately  it is unable to repair itself when subjected to physical or chemical abrasion. 

Therefore, losing enamel means losing it forever, as it does not grow again, but we can stop the deterioration of the condition and prevent further erosion, by following prevention methods, such as:

• Eat healthy, non-acidic foods, and pay attention to foods containing calcium necessary to strengthen and protect teeth, such as: milk and eggs.
• Use a suitable toothbrush. Avoid using brushes with rough and harsh bristles.
• Reduce drinking acidic drinks and soft drinks. 
• When drinking citrus fruits, the correct method must be observed, so that they do not touch the teeth, and enter the inner part of the mouth directly, without the need for them to touch the teeth.
•  Chew sugar-free gum.
•  Do not use the teeth to break hard objects, or press them together and prevent friction between the upper and lower parts of the teeth.
• Treating visible parts of dentin to reduce tooth sensitivity and prevent erosion.
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Use toothpaste containing fluoride to strengthen tooth structure.

What are the types of tooth erosion?

Tooth erosion may be classified into several different types, including the following

1. Chemical corrosion

It is the chemical decomposition of teeth, through acids that are not produced by oral bacteria, including:

• Stomach acid reflux.
• Acids resulting from eating habits.

Chemical erosion gradually weakens teeth and may lead to irreversible enamel loss.

     2. Frictional wear

This type results from tooth friction, and usually occurs due to teeth grinding or pressure, and may contribute to the following

• Erosion of tooth enamel.
• Making teeth more susceptible to breakage and tooth decay.

      3. Food corrosion

This type occurs as a result of eating foods and drinks, such as: 

• Acidic foods, as they may lead to loss of tooth structure.
• Soft drinks.
• Sugary drinks.

     4. Mechanical wear

This type results from excessive stress and pressure, such as biting and chewing.

What is the treatment for an eroded tooth?

There are different ways to treat a decayed tooth, and the doctor may choose the appropriate treatment for your condition, according to the degree of erosion.

But if you suffer from advanced tooth erosion, your doctor may advise you on the following treatment

• Dental bonding, a procedure in which a tooth-colored substance, known as resin, is placed on the damaged tooth.
• Peels.
• Crowns.

You can also prevent this problem from getting worse by following good oral hygiene habits.

In conclusion, it is not possible to restore tooth enamel after erosion, but by following prevention methods and changing wrong eating habits, the deterioration of tooth erosion can be prevented, and you must go to the dentist to diagnose the situation and obtain an appropriate treatment plan. 

At Al Mousa Specialist Hospital, we have a team of professional experts in the field of cosmetic dentistry, who have the experience and knowledge necessary to provide you with the best results.

At Al Mousa Specialist Hospital, we are keen to use the latest technologies and high-quality materials to ensure the quality and effectiveness of the service.

You can call and inquire about everything related to dental problems at the dental clinics at Al Mousa Specialist Hospital. 

Sources and references 

Dental erosion

Tooth Erosion