Once tooth enamel is damaged, it cannot be brought back. However, weakened enamel can be restored to some degree by improving its mineral content. Although toothpastes and mouthwashes can never “rebuild” teeth, they can contribute to this remineralization process.
As tooth enamel contains no living cells, once it's gone, your body can't repair damage from enamel wear on its own. The good news is, it's possible to strengthen and restore acid-weakened enamel by making the right oral care and dietary changes.
Once the tooth enamel has been damaged, there is no way to reverse the effects of tooth enamel erosion.
Treatment of tooth enamel loss depends on your individual needs. Your dentist may recommend tooth bonding (filling the damaged areas with tooth-colored resins) to protect the tooth and improve its appearance. If the enamel loss is more severe, a crown may be necessary to protect the tooth from further decay.
As the enamel erodes more, your teeth may appear grayish or yellow. Your teeth may begin to appear rounded, develop ridges, and often the gaps between teeth will become more substantial. Eventually, you may notice cracks in the teeth or experience loss of tooth material.
It could be the result of an acidic diet, medication side reactions or just vigorous brushing. Dry mouth, low salivary flow, diet high in sugar and starches, bruxism and friction, acid reflux disease, gastrointestinal problems and even genetics could also be blamed for enamel erosion.
Tooth Sensitivity
One of the most common signs your tooth's enamel is damaged is sensitivity. You may notice discomfort while eating or drinking something with hot or hot temperatures. The more your enamel gets damaged, the more extreme your sensitivity will become.
Even if your enamel is starting to look translucent, you can avoid further damage by simply changing some habits. Here are some tips to help protect your tooth enamel from erosion: Limit acidic beverages such as coffee, tea, carbonated drinks, and fruit juices. Reduce eating sugary foods that can lead to tooth decay.
If your teeth have already thinned, there are a few treatments that help restore the enamel. Dental bonding, a treatment that involves the application of a composite resin to your teeth, is one option. Veneers are another option for those who are interested.
See Through Teeth or Shiny Spots
The more you experience enamel loss the more the teeth become worn down and thinner until they look nearly transparent. Your teeth may also lose their natural shine causing them to look dull and lack-luster. This is a sign that your teeth have lost important minerals.
The remineralization process usually takes about three to four months to take effect. However, once you begin to better fortify your enamel, you may start to see stronger teeth, experience less sensitivity, and even reveal a whiter smile.
While the enamel can't grow back, it can be remineralized with special tooth repair kits. Certain toothpastes and dental products push calcium and phosphates back into the teeth and harden the enamel. Fluoride plays a powerful role by capturing the calcium and phosphates that acids draw out of the teeth.
One treatment option is repairing tooth enamel with dental bonding. Dental bonding involves applying a dental resin to the tooth surface to protect damaged areas and restore the intact surface.
It cannot regenerate itself, because it is formed by a layer of cells that are lost after the tooth eruption. Conventional treatment relies on synthetic materials to restore lost enamel that cannot mimic natural enamel.
Phosphorus. When considering how to strengthen tooth enamel, consider phosphorus. Phosphorus plays a critical role in dental health because it can naturally help protect and help rebuild tooth enamel. The best sources of phosphorus can be found in protein-rich foods like meat, poultry, fish, and eggs.
Enamel erosion is a growing concern in clinical practice today, with 46% of young adults already showing signs of enamel erosion. Enamel erosion is a form of tooth wear caused by acid weakening the surface of tooth enamel.
Chronic acid reflux or GERD exposes the tooth enamel to highly damaging stomach acid that quickly eats through even the strongest tooth enamel. In most cases, individuals with GERD experience enamel wear or weakening of the teeth in the back of the mouth first.
The enamel on our teeth is not living tissue, so it cannot repair itself if it is damaged or eroded. Once the enamel is gone, it's gone for good. This is why it's so important to take care of our teeth and to avoid anything that could damage or erode the enamel.
What happens if enamel is gone? Tooth enamel erosion exposes the inner layers of your teeth to open air and the foods and drinks you consume. This makes your teeth more vulnerable to cavities. In addition, tooth enamel loss can make your teeth more sensitive to heat, cold and sweets.
Common Effects of Normal Aging on the Mouth and Teeth
After decades of daily use, mechanical changes lead to gradual thinning of the enamel. Because you are still chewing, biting, and possibly grinding, the thinned enamel is now at a heightened risk of damage.
Despite the health benefits, drinking too much coffee can leave a lasting mark on your smile. In fact, research shows it can increase your risk of cavities because it's acidic, which can erode your enamel. As your enamel becomes thinner, it can also lead to tooth sensitivity.
Discoloration of the teeth begins when the semi-translucent layer of enamel erodes. The erosion exposes the softer dentin layer of the tooth. You may also notice your front teeth appearing less opaque. Small cracks can appear as a sign of enamel erosion, specifically from grinding teeth or clenching the jaw.
Unfortunately, tooth enamel starts to demineralize, or erode, around a pH level of 5.5 or lower. This ultimately means that the more acidic foods and beverages consumed, the more enamel erosion that occurs over time. As the enamel continues to wear down, it will eventually become translucent.