Stay Strong: Tooth Erosion Causes and Treatments By Louis Buono on January 07, 2015

Make no mistake about it: tooth enamel is extremely strong. It has to be to endure years of biting and chewing, not to mention the occasional traumatic event. Still, it isn’t indestructible, as many of us find out the hard way. Eventually, tooth enamel can - and, for a great many of us, does - erode.

Fortunately, modern restorative dentistry offers a number of treatments that can restore strength to teeth that have been affected by enamel erosion. At Garden City Smiles, the acclaimed cosmetic, restorative, and general dentistry practice of Louis J. Buono, D.D.S. in Long Island, tooth erosion treatments of the most surpassing quality are available to patients whose enamel has been damaged. However, there is no substitute for natural enamel, which is why Dr. Buono also provides these patients with tips on how to preserve and protect the pristine enamel on their remaining teeth.

Ultimately, when it comes to your tooth enamel, prevention truly is the best cure. Regular visits to our dental practice - at least twice a year as recommended by the American Dental Association - can help you to maintain your enamel and the overall health of your teeth while saving you time, money, and a lot of discomfort in the long run.

Possible Causes of Tooth Erosion

Even the cleanest mouth is naturally filled with acids that threaten tooth enamel. If you brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day and visit the dentist as recommended, you are more likely to prevent these acids from eroding your enamel and harming your teeth. However, if you are like many people, you are probably introducing more acids into your mouth through other sources, including:

Certain foods and liquids: These include citrus fruits, soda, wine, berries, salad dressings, tomatoes, vinegar, and jams and jellies.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): This common digestive involves the flow of stomach acids from the stomach back into the esophagus. Some of these acids usually end up back in the mouth.
Smoking: The chemicals in cigarette smoke eat away at enamel.
Vomiting: Those who vomit frequently or who are bulimic are vulnerable to enamel erosion.
Teeth grinding: People who chronically grind their teeth will eventually wear down their enamel.

Enamel is the protective layer of the tooth. Once it becomes worn, it does not regenerate. If there are holes in the enamel, that portion of the tooth has no protection against bacteria and food particles and is therefore extremely susceptible to decay and other damage.

Treatments for Tooth Enamel Erosion

The surest way to make sure that your tooth enamel remains strong and healthy is to visit our practice twice a year for thorough oral examinations and professional cleanings. Often, Dr. Buono is able to suggest simple lifestyle changes that help patients avoid common pitfalls that lead to enamel erosion, as well as other common dental problems such as gum disease. These changes may involve no more than improving their brushing and flossing techniques, limiting their consumption of acidic foods and liquids, or increasing their water intake. If more serious measures are necessary, he can recommend a customized restorative dentistry plan.