Worn Teeth or dental erosion is a common and often painful
condition that happens when your teeth get worn down over time. I am sure you
have seen it many times. However, some habits/activities, including drinking
soda and teeth grinding, can wear down your teeth even faster.
How does it happen? Dental erosion happens when the hard part on
the outside of your tooth, known as the enamel, gets damaged, typically because
of acid. The enamel is composed of minerals, and, once damaged, the loss is
permanent. When dental erosion occurs, teeth can become extremely sensitive and
need to be repaired, with a crown, dental bridges, or veneers. Erosion usually
shows up as hollows in the teeth and a general wearing away of the tooth surface
and biting edges. This can expose the dentine underneath, which is a darker,
yellower colour than the enamel. Because the dentine is sensitive, your teeth
can also be more sensitive to heat and cold, or acidic foods and drinks.
Some medical
conditions can contribute to dental enamel erosion. Bulimia is a condition
where patients make themselves sick so that they lose weight. Because there are
high levels of acid in the vomit, this can cause damage to tooth enamel.
Acids
produced by the stomach can come up into the mouth (this is called gastro-oesophageal
reflux). People suffering from hiatus hernia or oesophageal problems, or who
drink too much alcohol, may also find they suffer from dental erosion due to
vomiting.
There are many habits, activities, and conditions that can
contribute to dental erosion. Try to avoid the following to keep your teeth
healthy.
1. Grinding your teeth
While dental erosion is typically caused by acid, it can also be
caused by grinding or clenching your teeth, also known as bruxism. Young people
are more prone to daytime bruxism from stress, while older people are more
likely to grind their teeth while sleeping, Dr. Noble noted. Fortunately, there
are solutions for teeth grinding, including taking steps to reduce stress and
seeing your dentist to get fitted for a nighttime mouthguard.
2. Drinking energy and sports drinks
Most people know sodas can break down teeth, but did you know that
drinking energy and sports drinks can, too? In the same study of soft drinks,
the researchers found that energy drinks and sports drinks especially lower the
mouth's pH levels, which allows for acid to cause dental erosion. However, they
noted that any sugary drink, including fruit juices and wine, can lower the
mouth's pH level.
3. Eating only a plant-based diet
Bad news for vegetarians -- a diet consisting of only plants can
cause dental erosion. Vegetarians have higher levels of tooth erosion because
plants contain high amounts of fiber, and fibrous foods accelerate dental
erosion, according to Dr. Noble.
4. Drinking soda -- regardless of whether it's diet or regular
It is no secret that consuming sugar, including in soda, is bad
for your teeth, but a recent research study found that sugar-free soft drinks
can cause just as much dental erosion as the full-sugar variety. The study
showed that, because of their chemical mix of acids, sugar-free sodas can cause
significant enamel loss and softening.
"Most people are unaware of dental erosion until diagnosed,
and they appear unaware/surprised that it can be related to frequent
consumption of acidic sugar-free drinks," said Eric Reynolds, PhD, the
lead study researcher. "There is definitely a perception that because the
drink is sugar-free that it is safe for teeth."
Dental erosion does not always need to be treated. With regular
check-ups and advice your dental team can prevent the problem getting any worse
and the erosion going any further. If a tooth does need treatment, it is
important to protect the enamel and the dentine underneath to prevent
sensitivity. Usually, simply bonding a filling onto the tooth will be enough to
repair it.
Dr.
Mereos is a great dentist in Miami and his patients say he is friendly and comforting
and always happy to take the time to answer any questions.
Miami Beach dentist, Dr. Mereos, and the Precious Smiles team look forward to meeting with you and developing a plan tailored to meet your individual needs. “We take pride in helping our patients achieve the best results in the least amount of time possible.”
You can make an appointment with our cosmetic dentist by calling our friendly staff at (305) 532-9114 or by visiting http://www.precioussmiles.com. Please don't hesitate to contact Precious Smiles if you have any questions about cosmetic dentistry, veneers, Invisalign, tooth whitening, or dental implants.
Precious
Smiles Cosmetic Dentistry Center -Miami Beach
http://www.precioussmiles.com
Miami dentist, Miami Beach dentist
(305) 532-9114
1315 Alton Rd.
Miami Beach, Fl 33139
http://www.precioussmiles.com
Miami dentist, Miami Beach dentist
(305) 532-9114
1315 Alton Rd.
Miami Beach, Fl 33139
Dr.
Mereos is a Miami dentist that serves, Miami, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, North
Miami Beach, and North Miami
