Tooth erosion is a condition which is becoming more and more common because of the modern diet trends that many people are a victim of
. Tooth erosion is a condition which means that the outer layer of the tooth is being worn away. The enamel on a tooth can begin to dissolve when it is subject to substances which it does not react well with. This condition is sometimes called acid erosion because it is typically acidic foods which start to wear away the outer layers of the tooth.
Drinks are the primary culprit behind tooth erosion. Many of the drinks which people consume regularly actually cause damage to the teeth. Soft drinks are among the worse culprits. Colas especially have a very harsh effect on teeth, and regular consumption of them can lead to tooth erosion. This is one reason why the condition is seen a great deal in children. The fondness that children have for fizzy drinks often leads them to consume more than is really good for their teeth. Juice is also very acidic, and the perception of many parents is that juice is a healthy alternative to pop, however, juice can still cause the teeth to erode. In adults, coffee and tea can also contribute to the condition.
Tooth erosion isn't just caused by outside factors. There are things which can happen internally in the mouth which can also start to wear away the enamel on the teeth. This happens when conditions cause stomach acid to enter the mouth. Acid reflux is a condition which results in stomach acid traveling up into the mouth. Stomach acid is much stronger than what the mouth can easily tolerate, and under prolonged exposure teeth will start to erode when exposed to it.
People should be on the lookout for signs of tooth erosion, as they can then talk to their dentist to start correcting the problem immediately. When teeth start to look yellow, there is a good chance that they are starting to erode. Underneath the enamel is a substance which is called dentin. Dentin is yellow whereas enamel is white. Therefore, when the teeth look yellow it means that the enamel has become thin enough that the underlying layer in the tooth is becoming visible. Dental erosion can also be noticed when the edges of the canine teeth appear translucent. Treatment is mostly centered on lifestyle changes which will eliminate the initial cause of the erosion.