The enamel is primarily composed of minerals that are strong but susceptible to highly acidic foods. When acid reacts with the minerals in enamel, it results in tooth decay. Strongly pigmented foods can also damage enamel by discoloring the surface of the tooth. Acidic foods are the greatest source of enamel damage.
Tooth erosion happens when acids wear away the enamel on teeth. Enamel erosion can be caused by the following: Having too many soft drinks, which have lots of phosphoric and citric acids. Bacteria in your mouth thrive on sugar, and they make acids that can eat away at enamel.
Acid is the main cause of the loss of tooth enamel. It eats away at the enamel over time, leaving the tooth without protection. Food and drinks are the most common causes of tooth enamel loss, but there are other issues that can contribute to high acid production, including: Dry mouth.
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 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.
Signs that Your Enamel Has Eroded or Is Weak
For example, if your teeth appear yellow or there are certain parts of a tooth that look worn and shiny, you may have enamel loss. The appearance of white spots can also indicate damage to enamel structure.
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.
Calcium. Calcium strengthens your tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay. Because approximately 99% of the calcium in your body is stored in your bones and teeth, a calcium deficiency can weaken your teeth and lead to tooth loss.
Vitamin A. A deficiency of Vitamin A leads to impaired epithelial cells, which are responsible for secreting calcium, phosphate, magnesium and carbonate ions that help form enamel and a healthy tooth.
Soft drinks (including diet soda), sports drinks and energy drinks, and iced and sweet teas all contain high levels of acid that contribute to the erosion of tooth enamel. Even 100% fruit juices are acidic. The juice of fruits like lemons, grapefruits, and oranges is especially high in citric acids.
Tooth decay begins when bacteria in your mouth make acids that attack the tooth's surface (enamel). This can lead to a small hole in a tooth, called a cavity. If tooth decay is not treated, it can cause pain, infection, and even tooth loss.
Every Cavity Is Different. The time it takes for a cavity to form varies. It can, on average, take anywhere from six months to four or five years before a cavity requires treatment. The length of time it takes will vary on a case-by-case basis because the conditions of your mouth differ daily.
The bad news is, once your enamel has eroded, it won't grow back. Because enamel is mostly inorganic, your body can't regenerate it once it's lost.
While you cannot restore damaged enamel, you still have a few options. Several restorative treatment options can prevent more damage and ensure your teeth look great. Below are some of the most common restorative treatment options for those with damaged enamel or tooth decay.
1 –Consumption of Acidic or Sugary Foods & Drinks
Luckily, it takes time for enamel to erode, and by eliminating or reducing consumption of sugary foods and drinks and caring for your smile properly, you should be able to avoid the majority of enamel erosion.
Amelogenesis Imperfecta
An Inherited tooth disorder, Amelogenesis imperfect, is when the enamel is abnormally formed and thin. Amelogenesis imperfect is inherited in autosomal dominant manner. The mineralization of the enamel is affected. It causes the teeth to become soft, thin and damage easily.
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.
However, once your enamel is damaged or worn away, it doesn't grow back. Though your dentist can repair small lesions that weaken enamel, once it's gone you're going to have serious problems with your teeth for the rest of your life.
Try non-acidic foods: Certain foods are good for your enamel. Many types of fruits and vegetables, dairy products such as milk, and foods or drinks containing fluoride – notably spinach, grapes and black tea – will be useful to naturally restore enamel.
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.
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.
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.
Even though you can't reverse enamel erosion and shouldn't whiten at home to reduce yellowing, you can still change the look of your smile. The dentist can bond a tooth-colored material to the damaged area to create a smooth, pearly white finish.