Tooth erosion is a non-carious pathology that is characterized by pathologically rapid enamel abrasion. Most often, you can notice the problem on the convex external part of the tooth.
Features of the development of pathology
Dental erosion begins with damage to the uppermost enamel layer. Its color becomes faded, the bottom of the damage is very hard and smooth. Very unpleasant symptoms begin to appear.
It should be noted that many dentists may call this problem cosmetic. However, this is not quite true. Without treatment, the problem progresses rapidly. In addition to enamel, dentin can be affected - hard tooth tissue. Then we should talk about a full-fledged disease of the teeth, which can lead to their loss.
In most cases, small molars, incisors and fangs are damaged. However, in the absence of therapy, the pathology will spread to other teeth. The treatment of the disease is not difficult, but it must be timely. The first thing to do is immediately consult a dentist.
How is erosion different from other pathologies?
Diagnosis of the disease should be thorough and careful, as it can be confused with other problems of the jaw.
Erosion of teeth is very similar to caries and a wedge-shaped defect. However, in the first case, the concomitant disease is characterized by a rough enamel surface. With erosion, it is smooth. A wedge-shaped defect is found in the root area. At the same time, the teeth lose their normal shape.
Causes of the disease
Dental erosion can be triggered by such factors:
- Mechanical damage to enamel, which can be obtained due to improper care, bruxism (gnashing of teeth), gastritis, improperly selected toothpaste, whitening.
- Erosions of tooth tissues are provoked by pathology of the thyroid gland or the endocrine system as a whole.
- Increased load on the enamel, which is obtained due to malocclusion, insufficient number of teeth in the mouth (the load is not evenly distributed). An incorrectly installed prosthesis can also lead to the fact that the enamel on the "native" teeth will be erased much faster.
- The use of certain medications that have an aggressive effect on enamel.
- Work in a factory with harsh conditions. For example, if a patient works in a workshop where there is a lot of metal or mineral dust. Getting on the enamel, such a kind of abrasive material damages it.
- Chemical influences: the use of carbonated drinks and foods with a high amount of acid. It is advisable to use them so that they do not touch the surface of the teeth.
The consequences of pathology
It should be noted that erosion of tooth enamel is manifested mainly in middle age. It can develop for about 15 years. Naturally, the disease leaves some consequences:
- Teeth wear is very fast. In almost a few weeks, you will see changes on the surface of the crowns.
- The color of the crowns becomes dark. This is especially noticeable if erosion has reached hard tissues.
- The sensitivity of the teeth increases, which causes problems with chewing food. Since the barrier surrounding the nerve becomes very thin, brushing your teeth and eating cold (hot) foods will cause pain.
- The edges of the damaged teeth are so thin that they look transparent.
In addition, if untreated, erosion of the hard tissues of the tooth may occur. This, in turn, provokes the appearance of pain, as well as tooth decay.
Developmental stages
There are only three of them:
- Initial. At this stage, tissue damage is not noticeably strong. You may not even suspect that the problem exists. At this stage, the development of pathology may not be noticed even by an experienced doctor.
- Medium. Here, erosion of tooth tissue reaches dentin, but does not affect it. However, the defect becomes visible to the naked eye.
- Deep At this stage, hard tissue (dentin) also begins to break down. There may already appear discomfort and pain. Moreover, discomfort can occur with different intensities.
Disease development phases
The process of destruction of enamel occurs unevenly. In this regard, we can distinguish these phases of development:
- Active. In this case, the enamel is erased at a high speed. This phase is characterized by excessive sensitivity of crowns to various stimuli. If the process is not stopped, then the tissue will collapse rapidly.
- Stabilized. This phase is characterized by a very slow course of destructive processes. During this period, a person may feel pain, but it is very weakly expressed. The fact is that the body is trying to independently fight the destruction process, and as the defect forms, tertiary dentin begins to appear at the site of the lesion. It is produced by the pulp. In a way, this layer is a protection against the destruction of dentin. At this phase, the enamel is gradually strengthened. The doctor must ensure that the stabilized phase lasts as long as possible.
As you can see, it’s not so easy to notice the process of enamel loss. But untimely therapy can lead to tooth loss.
Symptoms of pathology
Dental erosion (the reasons you have already considered it) is expressed differently. Symptoms depend on the stage and characteristics of the development of the disease. We can distinguish such signs of it:
- The first stage is characterized by a loss of enamel gloss. Most often, the teeth become white but dull. At this stage, there is no pain.
- At the second stage, discomfort appears, the color becomes darker.
- The third stage is characterized by a well-felt pain that occurs during eating or brushing your teeth. The hue of collapsing areas is changing. If the enamel is completely erased, then brown spots are visible at this place.
Features of the diagnosis of the disease
If you suspect that you are developing tooth erosion, treatment should only begin after a thorough examination and consultation with a doctor. Otherwise, you may make a mistake in choosing a therapy and harm yourself even more. Diagnostics includes the following procedures:
- External examination of the teeth. Thanks to him, the doctor will determine the presence of the problem, will be able to differentiate it from other pathological conditions of enamel and dental tissue. Perhaps, at the stage of examination, the doctor will be able to determine the reasons that provoked the destruction process.
- Drying the air stream with iodine. This procedure will help determine the location of erosion.
- Hormonal analysis and ultrasound of the thyroid gland. This study is necessary to confirm or deny that the disease is associated with endocrine disorders.
Treatment features
Recently, dental patients have seen a common form of erosion of the teeth, in which the defect does not reach the dentin. In this case, the cure of the disease is easiest.
In general, with this pathology, rehabilitation therapy is performed. It provides for the implementation of such procedures:
- Remineralization of enamel. Every day, the patient will have to apply applications of calcium and fluoride products to his teeth. The procedure must be carried out for 2-3 weeks (depending on the degree of surface damage). After completing the course, fluorinated varnish must be applied to the enamel. Thanks to this procedure, the patient has the opportunity to get rid of too high tooth sensitivity.
- Mineralization of enamel using physiotherapeutic procedures. For example, calcium electrophoresis is effective. In this case, the substance is absorbed faster and absorbed by enamel.
- Restoration procedures. They are used only if other treatments have been ineffective. Here, veneers, crowns or a light-cured composite are used for restoration.
- General therapeutic measures that are carried out in a stabilized phase. For example, the patient is recommended to take multivitamin and mineral complexes. Naturally, the doctor should take care of changing the shade of enamel in places affected by erosion. For this, polishing, moderate whitening can be used.
Note that tooth filling during erosion does not give a positive effect. You will have to restore the enamel layer, and not close the carious holes.
Preventive measures
Despite the fact that the treatment of such a disease is not difficult, it is better to prevent it. If your teeth are dear to you, try to follow these preventive measures:
- Refuse or reduce the use of those foods that contain high amounts of food acids. If you like carbonated drinks, then try to drink them in such a way as to avoid contact with enamel. To do this, you can simply use the tube.
- You should not eat very hot or very cold food, especially at one time. A sharp drop in temperature can cause enamel cracking.
- After eating, you must rinse your mouth with a special rinse or regular warm water. This will neutralize the negative effects of certain products.
- Try to brush your teeth correctly. Use soft toothbrushes and a paste without abrasive particles. It is better to start cleaning from the inside, and do not press too hard on the bristles. It is advisable to brush your teeth after each meal, however, the regimen continues to remain the best option - twice a day.
- Visit your dentist every six months. This will make it possible to identify pathology at an early stage of development.
If you still have erosion of tooth enamel, treatment will allow you to avoid their complete destruction. Be healthy!