Knowing the signs of tooth erosion can help you prevent it from getting worse. If you suspect that your teeth are being eroded, it’s important to see a dentist right away. They can conduct an examination and determine if your teeth are actually eroding.
If your dentist determines that your teeth are not eroding, there may be other issues with your teeth or mouth. Your dentist will help you figure out what the cause might be, and develop a treatment plan based on their findings.
One of the most common causes of tooth loss is tooth erosion. In many cases, erosion can be reversed if caught early on. To determine if your teeth are eroding, look for these signs:
- Your teeth might have white spots on them.
These spots are known as dental caries, which is another word for tooth decay, and they’re caused by acid created by food and drinks. When you drink acidic liquids like soda or wine, bacteria in your mouth release lactic acid that dissolves the layer of enamel on your teeth (the hardest substance in our bodies). As this happens, tiny holes open up in the enamel where it’s been damaged, allowing more acid to enter into the tooth until eventually, the whole thing dissolves away! - Cracks and chips.
If you have cracks in your teeth, it means that your enamel has broken down. Look out for rough, irregular, and damaged edges. - Your teeth may be more “dull” looking than bright.
If you are looking at your teeth in a mirror, they should be bright. If they are dull and grayish, this could indicate erosion. - Discoloration
Teeth that are stained can indicate erosion. If you look at your teeth in the mirror, they should be white with no stains, but if the teeth are yellow or stains, it could mean that your enamel has been damaged by acids. - The appearance of your gumline has changed in one or more places.
This can be a sign that the enamel on your teeth is deteriorating and exposing more tooth structures to the acidic environment inside your mouth. The exposed tooth structure will then erode away, causing further damage to the teeth below it. In some cases, this process may cause gaps between the gums and teeth that make it difficult for you to clean properly with a toothbrush—especially if the gums are receding from one or more sides of a tooth. - Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures.
You may notice that you’re sensitive to hot or cold temperatures. This can be a sign of erosion from too much acid in your mouth, which can cause the enamel on your teeth to wear away faster than usual.
Prevention is key when it comes to the health of your teeth. We offer a range of preventative care treatments to tackle tooth erosion. If you’re interested in learning more, contact us today to book your next appointment.