Dental Erosion: Explained

Posted by Ronald Wagner on Mar 22, 2011

With regard to dental issues, tooth erosion is a common problem. It happens to children as well as adults. Often dentists refer to it as acid erosion as well.

In simple terms, teeth erosion is a situation where the enamels start to erode. It wears away due to bacterial infection, leaving the dentine of the teeth sensitive to any form of touch, or for that matter temperature change.

How Does Tooth Erosion Occur?

There are various factors that can cause the enamel to erode. Consumption of too many acid based drinks or food can result in the enamel to wear away. Often one may not realize, but over a period of time it starts to be visible. Though the change may not seem all too evident at first, but the growing sensitivity proves that the teeth are subject to dental erosion.

Tooth erosion also occurs due to one’s health condition. One who has the tendency of excess gastric acid or problems such as reflux or bulimia, results in excessive release of stomach acid. The acid also leaves a bad taste in the mouth and can also result in a grimy feeling constantly. This usually results in erosion setting in. The symptoms are noticeable when the enamel starts changing its color. The enamel starts looking more translucent and loses its opaque quality. Over time the translucence becomes more of a yellow, meaning that the dentine, which is the second layer to that of the teeth, has started to become visible.

One should immediately consult a dentist before the problem spreads to the other teeth as well. In addition it is essential to make a change in your dietary habits. It may help to take alkaline substances that neutralizes the acidity and stops the formation of acid juices in the stomach.