The Dangers of Tooth Erosion
Many people know that cavities and gum disease can become serious dental health issues, which is why brushing and flossing regularly is so important, as is visiting an Abilene cosmetic dentist twice a year. There is another dental problem out there that is serious as well, but not as many people are aware of it, or at least that seems to be the case. That dental problem is tooth erosion, and we’d like to discuss this issue briefly right now.
About Tooth Erosion
Tooth erosion refers to the gradual wasting away and diminishment of a tooth material. The actually enamel and dentin structure gets dissolved over time. This leads to teeth that look discolored, jagged, and poorly cared for. When you visit our practice, we’ll be sure to examine your teeth thoroughly for signs of erosion and figure out a suitable cosmetic dentistry or restorative dentistry treatment for your needs.
Tooth Decay is Not Tooth Erosion
It may sound like tooth decay and tooth erosion are synonymous, but that is not the case. Tooth decay is caused by bacteria that eat away at tooth structure. Tooth erosion doesn’t involve bacteria but instead involves acidic damage to a tooth. Both cause teeth to become discolored, misshapen, and weaker over time, however.
The Causes of Tooth Erosion
The primary reason that tooth erosion occurs is an acidic pH in the mouth. This can be caused by a number of substances. Some of these include:
· Soft drinks
· Apples
· Citrus juice
· Coffee
· Vinegar
· Beer
In addition to the above, bile and other gastric fluids can also cause tooth erosion to occur. This explains why many people who suffer from bulimia also experience tooth erosion. There are telltale signs of erosion which we can identify during your visit to our Abilene cosmetic dentistry center.
Dental Treatments to Consider
There are many options out there for dealing with tooth erosion. Ideally, preventative care is best. Be sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day and to floss regularly as well. If you have any substances that are acidic, it’s ideal to have a glass of water to help rinse and wash away acidic residues. Doing this will help improve the pH of your mouth and ensure it’s not too acidic.
When erosion has already set in, there are numerous dental restorations and general dentistry treatments to consider. For severe erosion, Abilene dental crowns may be the best answer, though a more conservative approach and treatment is generally preferable. We’ll assess your situation and devise a treatment plan just for you to make sure that you get the best smile makeover results possible.
Learn More About Cosmetic Dentistry and Dental Care
If you would like to learn more about tooth erosion and other matters related to dental health and dental care, it’s important that you contact our Abilene cosmetic dentistry practice today. During your consultation, we’ll be sure to go over all of your treatment options in full detail so you have a good understanding of what to expect from treatment.
