Fort Worth Cosmetic Dentist How to Know Tooth Enamel Loss

There is a growing concern of tooth enamel loss for both young and old today. Other cities have made sure that to take care of its residents dental health, they add fluoride into their water system. Tooth enamel is known to be one of the hardest substance in the body with a 96% mineral composition but acids left behind after food intake normally erodes the enamel causing dental cavities.

Because enamel is a most visible part of the tooth, it is easy to check for signs of wear and tear. Tooth enamel loss could be known with the following signs,

1. Tooth sensitivity. Check for enamel loss when you have increased sensitivity in a particular tooth. At the start of the enamel erosion, you might feel a hint of pain when you drink and eat foods with extreme temperatures. Having a lot of sweet foods cause the affected tooth to be more sensitive. At the later stages of enamel loss, the tooth becomes painfully sensitive. At this point, temperatures and sugary substance cause extreme sensitivity.

2. Discoloration. When more and more layers of tooth enamel erode, they will begin to appear yellowish. The dentin, which is the next layer of tissue under the enamel, begins to show.

3. Check for receding gums. Improper brushing or gum disease can erode the enamel causing gum recession.V-shaped notches near the gum line can indicate abrasion of the enamel due to excessive brushing.

4. Look for chipped fractured teeth that may cause the dentin to be immediately exposed. Chronic bruxism causes the grinding surface of the molars to be flat.

5. Review your eating habits for sugar consumption. Exposure of the teeth to sugar can produce an acid that may erode the enamel. It is known well that this is a major cause of enamel loss.

6. Get a dental exam if loss of tooth enamel is expected. A dentist can detect soft spots in the enamel by probing the teeth with an instrument. A confirmation of dental loss can also be done through X-ray.

7. Avoid the use of toothpicks to clean your teeth as they cause the outer layer of your teeth to wear out very fast. This should only be used if you have persistent food stuck in between your mouth and not as a means of regular teeth cleaning. Where possible, brush your teeth after every meal and avoid using toothpicks. Notches of eroded enamel between teeth is caused by toothpick overuse.

Depending with the severity of the tooth enamel loss, the dentist will choose the right treatment. Tooth bonding can sometimes be done to protect the tooth and improve appearance.

A significant enamel loss may be covered with a crown which also helps to protect the tooth form more decay.