The outer layer of your teeth is called enamel. It’s a hard substance that protects them from physical and chemical damage. Tooth enamel is extremely strong—in fact, it’s the hardest tissue in the human body, even stronger than bone.
Enamel is your teeth’s first line of defense against many different chemicals from food and body fluids. As a result, it can gradually wear down over time, a process known as enamel erosion.
Enamel erosion can cause symptoms such as tooth discoloration and sensitivity. Once enamel is lost, it cannot grow back. However, you can stop the erosion from getting worse with proper dental treatment and good oral care.
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Symptoms of Enamel Erosion
The symptoms of enamel erosion can vary, but they often include:
You may have significant enamel loss if you experience:
Over time, untreated enamel erosion can lead to complications such as:
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Causes of Enamel Erosion
One of the main causes of enamel erosion is the acids found in the foods and drinks you consume. Your saliva constantly works to neutralize acid in your mouth to protect your teeth.
However, if you frequently consume acidic foods and beverages and do not clean your teeth properly, the outer enamel layer will gradually break down over time.
Enamel erosion can be triggered by what you eat and drink, especially:
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Other causes of enamel erosion include:
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Can Tooth Enamel Grow Back?
Enamel is extremely hard, but it does not contain any living cells. This means it cannot repair itself once it has been damaged physically or chemically. In other words, enamel erosion is irreversible, and lost enamel will not grow back.
However, enamel erosion usually develops slowly over time. So even if you already have some enamel loss, you can still prevent it from getting worse. That’s why you should consult a dentist at Batal Specialized Complex as soon as possible.
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Treatment and Prevention of Enamel Erosion
If you already have significant enamel erosion, your dentist can help using several treatment options. One of the most common is called dental bonding.
Dental bonding is a procedure in which a tooth-colored material known as composite resin is applied to stained or damaged teeth. The resin can cover discoloration and protect the tooth surface. You may want to consider bonding if enamel erosion has caused visible discoloration of your front teeth.
In more advanced cases, your dentist may place a veneer or crown on the damaged teeth to prevent further decay. The best way to treat enamel erosion, however, is to prevent it from occurring in the first place. Even if enamel loss has already started, you can still stop it from progressing by maintaining good oral hygiene.
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The dental clinic at Batal Specialized Complex is equipped with advanced tools and devices to help anyone suffering from tooth pain get relief in the care of highly skilled dentists. Don’t hesitate to book an appointment at the dental clinic in Batal Specialized Complex.
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