When to get in touch with your dentist if you think you have poor tooth enamel

What is tooth enamel?

Tooth enamel is the hard, outer layer that protects your teeth from decay and damage. It is made up of minerals, including calcium and phosphate and surrounds the crown of every tooth. It also helps to insulate your teeth from temperature changes, allowing you to enjoy hot and cold foods without discomfort.

It is semi-translucent, so is only partially responsible for the colour of your teeth. 

What could cause enamel erosion?

One of the main causes of tooth enamel erosion is acid. Acid can come from a variety of sources, including acidic foods and drinks (such as citrus fruits and fizzy drinks), stomach acid from acid reflux and bacteria in your mouth.

Although seemingly harmless at first, when your tooth enamel starts to erode it can lead to a number of problems. Symptoms include:

• Tooth pain and sensitivity
• Yellowing of the teeth
• Transparency around the edges of the front teeth
• Small cracks or dents in your teeth

So when should you get in touch with your dentist?

Since enamel is a mineral, it does not grow back. That’s why it’s important to catch enamel erosion early so that we can help you prevent further damage to your teeth. 

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, or if you have concerns about your enamel, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment with us as soon as possible.

Tooth erosion will only become worse when you are not taking steps to prevent it. To protect your enamel and prevent erosion:

• Limit your intake of acidic foods and drinks
• Drink plenty of water to help neutralise acid in your mouth
• Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
• Floss regularly to remove food particles and bacteria from between your teeth
• Use a mouthwash that contains fluoride
• Chew sugarless gum to clear away acid remaining in your mouth in between meals

In addition to these steps, we may recommend additional treatments to help strengthen your enamel and protect your teeth from further damage. Coming in for a routine check-up every six months is something we strongly recommend to all our patients, so that we can monitor the health of your teeth and catch any issues like this early on.