WHAT IS ENAMEL EROSION?

Dental enamel is the outer layer of teeth that protects the soft sensitive core underneath. Enamel composition consists of enamel mineral, which is the hardest substance in the human body. Even though it’s half as scratch resistant as a diamond, it still gets eroded day after day.

The enamel erosion process is frequently unnoticed and happens to everyone, at all ages, making teeth increasingly vulnerable.

Once enamel structure is damaged, not even the body can restore it.

CAUSES OF ENAMEL EROSION

All food and drinks affect the natural PH level in the mouth, which may cause acid attacks and enamel erosion. One of the major misconceptions is that acid erosion only occurs due to unhealthy diets such as sugary drinks and junk food.

In fact, modern diets including food and drink such as apples, orange juice, smoothies, vinegar or red wine have worsened the phenomenon of acid erosion.

CONSEQUENCES OF ENAMEL EROSION

YELLOWING: Teeth can become yellower as a consequence of enamel thinning because the underlying dentine becomes more visible.

SENSITIVITY: As a consequence of the loss of enamel, the underlying dentine can become exposed. This can result in feeling sharp twinges, discomfort or pain when eating sweets, hot or cold food and drinks.

WEAKNESS: In the advanced stages, microscopic indentations arise on the surface of the teeth. If tooth erosion continues, the edges of the teeth can start to crack and have a rough feeling.

TRANSPARENCY: It is not uncommon in the early stages of tooth erosion for the teeth to have a sand blasted look or for the tips of the front teeth to look transparent.