Tooth erosion happens when the enamel is destroyed by chemicals found in food and bodily fluids. Enamel is the hardest part of the body and its main function is to protect the delicate underneath part of the tooth. When this surface is exposed to a lot of acidic food, it becomes prone to tear and wear which is called enamel/tooth erosion. When this happens, a hollow might develop on the tooth exposing the underneath sensitive part of the tooth. This results to serious sensitivity to acidic, cold and hot foods and not to mention the hollow that creates a ground for bacteria infection if tooth erosion treatment is not administered. Below are some tooth erosion treatment options. You can view more about this online.
1. Tooth bonding
This is a cosmetic procedure which a dentist does for patients with discolored teeth due enamel erosion. The procedure involves application of composite resin which is colored to improve the aesthetic appearance of the teeth. It can also be used to cover spaces in between the teeth to improve someone’s smile. It is the cheapest form of cosmetic treatment for tooth erosion.
2. Veneer application
This is a material placed on the surface of the teeth to improve the aesthetic appearance of the teeth. If a dentist discovers that your tooth is weak or discolored due to prior tooth erosion he/she can suggest application of veneer on your tooth.
3. Use of a crown
Even though this procedure is a bit expensive, it strengthens and improves appearance of worn out teeth due to enamel erosion. The need for dental crowns becomes crucial when tooth erosion causes large cavity on the teeth threatening the normal dental health.
You can also prevent further tooth erosion by proper healthy dental practices such as (but not limited) to:
- Minimizing intake of food and drinks which are acidic.
- Brushing your teeth regularly with fluoride toothpaste.
- Chewing sugar-free gum to help in saliva secretion to neutralize the acid in the mouth.
Dental health is not something that should be taken lightly because it can affect your whole body health. If you have tooth erosion, the above dental health practices and prevention measures can be very useful in tooth erosion treatment.