Enamel is the outermost thin layer of each tooth. As it begins to erode, among other symptoms, you may notice dental pain and weakness. If you think it is wearing out, read on to find out what the warning signs and causes of this disorder are.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Recognize the Symptoms
Step 1. Observe the color of the teeth
Dentin is a substance that is found underneath the enamel and has a yellowish color. As the outermost layer begins to erode, the dentin is more noticeable, which makes the teeth appear more yellow. The more the enamel wears out, the more yellow your teeth will be.
Step 2. Look at the shape of the teeth
When the enamel erodes, the teeth, or a specific one, may take on a rounded shape, devoid of the regular cracks and cavities. The enamel itself will appear worn near the top of the teeth and gums. Severe erosion can also cause teeth to appear shorter than usual.
If you have a dental filling, you may notice that the teeth appear to have shrunk around the substance used to fill the cavity. This shrinkage is caused by the loss of enamel
Step 3. Look for cracks or chipped parts
Sometimes, teeth that have lost a lot of enamel become so weak that they develop fractures. Crushing along the edges may also occur, especially if consumption is due to chewing.
Although your teeth have not yet cracked, you should see a doctor as soon as possible if you notice that they look brittle and worn - a sign that they may soon fracture
Step 4. Pay attention to any sensitivity that may develop
As stated in Step 1, when the enamel erodes, the underlying layer of dentin is exposed. This not only causes your teeth to yellow, it makes them particularly sensitive to pain. This problem occurs when you eat hot or cold foods, and sometimes it also happens with sweets.
If it is severe erosion, the pulp, which is the innermost part of the tooth, could also be damaged. In this case, you will feel some pain from eating almost any food
Step 5. Look at your teeth to see if you have cavities
Loss of enamel causes them to become brittle and prone to the onset of this degenerative disease. It happens because enamel protects them from germs and dirt that builds up. When consumed, plaque and food debris can begin to form tooth decay. Those that are on the surface of the tooth can dig directly, until they reach the deepest parts through the openings left uncovered by the missing enamel.
Step 6. Observe the strength of the teeth when you bite
As enamel and dentin begin to wear out, teeth may appear shorter. The part of the tooth that comes into contact with food flattens and hollows out, which can lead to biting and chewing with difficulty. In addition to being more difficult to do these actions, you can feel pain when you take a bite.
Method 2 of 2: Know the Causes of Enamel Erosion
Step 1. Remember that abrasion plays a major role in enamel loss
It is nothing other than the wear of your teeth, which occurs when you scratch them aggressively. Here are the actions that cause it:
Brush them too vigorously with a stiff-bristled toothbrush, use an abrasive toothpaste, bite your nails, and chew tobacco
Step 2. Remember that even contact between the teeth themselves can cause enamel loss
When the teeth collide, they begin to scratch off the enamel surface. Grinding the teeth and contracting the jaw are actions that cause friction, which erodes the outermost layer.
Enamel can also be worn away when the teeth are subjected to excessive stress; for example, it happens when you chew something hard, like ice
Step 3. Don't forget that acidic foods can cause enamel loss
Consuming such foods and soft drinks like fizzy ones can actually cause your enamel to thin in no time. When you eat these foods and drink these drinks on a daily basis, the exposure to risk is prolonged, so it is possible for them to be harmed. Here are some products to avoid:
- Fizzy drinks, such as Coca Cola.
- Fruit juices containing citric acid.
- Energy drinks, wine and beer.
Step 4. Stay away from sticky foods
As you may have guessed, they stick to the teeth longer than other foods, thus causing their consumption. Products of this type are usually full of sugar. When they adhere to the teeth, they cause acid production. However, as they stick together, the saliva (which plays the role of a neutralizing agent) cannot reach the parts that are damaged.
Chocolate bars and toffee are among the most harmful foods
Step 5. Some medications can also harm your teeth
Aspirin, antihistamines, some asthma medications, and chewable vitamin C tablets can all cause enamel to erode. This happens because they have an acidic nature, so when they come into contact with the tooth surface they cause damage.
Step 6. Remember that some diseases can also cause enamel to erode
Sometimes the acids generated in the stomach travel up to the mouth and damage the enamel. This happens especially when your body undergoes changes due to a disease or a certain state:
Gastroesophageal reflux, gastrointestinal disorders, peptic ulcers, bulimia, alcoholism and pregnancy
Advice
- Avoid consuming sugar-filled snacks and carbonated drinks frequently.
- Go to the dentist every six months to make sure your teeth are healthy.
- Rinse your mouth with water after drinking fruit juices or alcoholic drinks - they could damage your enamel.
