Northlight Dental Sheds Light on Dental Erosion: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions
In Milton Keynes, Northlight Dental is raising awareness about dental erosion, a growing concern for many. Dental erosion, or the loss of tooth enamel caused by acid attack, is becoming increasingly prevalent. This article delves into the causes and symptoms of dental erosion and how Northlight Dental can help combat this issue.
Causes of Dental Erosion
The primary cause of dental erosion is the consumption of acidic foods and drinks. Common culprits include soft drinks, fruit juices, wine, and certain foods with high acidic content. When these acids come into contact with tooth enamel, they cause it to soften and gradually wear away.
Another significant contributor is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), where acid from the stomach flows back into the mouth, eroding the teeth. Certain medications, particularly aspirin and antihistamines, can also contribute to this condition by reducing saliva flow, which normally helps to neutralize the acids in the mouth.
Lifestyle factors play a role too. For example, swimming in chlorinated pools with a low pH can lead to dental erosion, as can excessive alcohol consumption. Environmental factors, such as high humidity and industrial acid exposure, are less common causes.
Symptoms of Dental Erosion
The symptoms of dental erosion can vary depending on the severity. Early signs include tooth discoloration as the enamel thins and more of the yellowish dentin shows through. Patients may also experience increased tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks as the enamel wears away and exposes the underlying dentine.
As the condition progresses, the teeth may appear rounded, with a sandblasted look. In severe cases, cracks and chips may become apparent, and the teeth can become increasingly shorter.
How Northlight Dental Can Help
Northlight Dental in Milton Keynes provides a comprehensive approach to treating and preventing dental erosion. Their first step is a thorough examination to assess the extent of enamel loss. From there, the team at Northlight Dental tailors a treatment plan to the patient’s specific needs.
For milder cases, the focus may be on preventive measures. This includes dietary advice to avoid excessively acidic foods and drinks, and lifestyle changes such as reducing alcohol consumption and addressing any underlying medical conditions like GERD.
When enamel loss is more pronounced, Northlight Dental provide various restorative treatments ranging from bonding, where a tooth-coloured resin is applied to the teeth to restore appearance and function, to more advanced options like veneers or crowns for severe cases. These treatments not only improve the appearance of the teeth but also protect them from further erosion.
We place a strong emphasis on patient education, providing detailed information on maintaining good oral hygiene practices to protect against further enamel loss, including the use of fluoride toothpaste and mouthwashes that help remineralise the teeth. And also the importance of making dietary changes if required.
Dental erosion is a significant concern that requires both professional treatment and lifestyle adjustments to manage effectively. Northlight Dental in Milton Keynes stands at the forefront of addressing this issue, providing the latest treatment options and comprehensive patient education. By tackling the problem from multiple angles, we ensure that our patients have advice and dental treatments to maintain their oral health.
For more information about Northlight Dental’s services or to book an appointment, visit our contact page or call us on 01908 584461.
