Tooth enamel loss (dental erosion) is a serious issue, since once the enamel is gone, you can’t get it back. Tooth enamel is most commonly lost via acids, such as eating acidic foods or drinking acidic beverages, that erode away the tooth enamel irreparably. Some medical conditions, such as acid reflux or bulimia can cause tooth enamel loss as well, due to the stomach acids being present in the mouth, eating away at tooth enamel. Being able to recognize tooth enamel loss is a great way to attack a problem before it becomes to serious to treat. Here are the early signs of tooth enamel loss to look for before you have a serious dental issue. Also, learn what happens if you ignore the signs completely.
As tooth enamel is sloughed away, the teeth change color. One of the most noticeable signs of tooth enamel loss is the tips of the teeth being whiter than the rest of the tooth. Due to teeth being thinner at the tips than the roots, the loss of enamel thinning the tooth can cause the tips of the tooth to appear whiter than the rest of the tooth, or even transparent in appearance.
Teeth become more round in appearance (rather than naturally square at the tips) as the enamel is eroded away. If your teeth are beginning to look more round, or even shorter in appearance as the tips of the tooth erode away, this can be a sign of tooth enamel loss.
Tooth sensitivity where it was never an issue before can be another warning sign of tooth enamel loss. As teeth become thinner due to losing enamel, they become less protected against hot or cold foods, and can become sensitive even when breathing in colder air. If your teeth are more sensitive lately, particularly all your teeth rather than a select one or two, tooth enamel loss may be to blame.
As tooth enamel loss continues without treatment (managing the enamel loss to keep it from continuing), the teeth can actually crack from damage, becoming brittle on the tops or have a rough feeling or appearance. Due to the weakening of the tooth structure, teeth suffering from ongoing enamel loss are more prone for tooth decay or infection. Also, since tooth enamel loss affects the entire tooth, if the condition is not treated quickly at the onset of tooth enamel loss, the entire tooth (often more than one) may have to be treated with expensive surgical procedures to try to repair or save the tooth.
If you suspect tooth enamel loss in your teeth, seeing your dentist is your best bet for treatment and prevention of further tooth damage. Your dentist can recommend toothpastes and care designed to help keep your teeth in the best form you can, and keep your enamel loss from getting worse.
Source:
http://users.forthnet.gr/ath/abyss/Dental-Erosion-01.htm
