Repairing dental erosion: recognizing symptoms for effective treatment

Located in Lyon’s 3rd arrondissement, our practice specializes in comprehensive oral health care. Repairing dental erosion is one of the treatments commonly offered by our dentists. Find out more about this disorder, its origins and the treatments available at Studio Dentaire.

What is tooth enamel erosion?

Dental erosion is the progressive wearing away of enamel, the protective layer of the teeth. It is caused by age, but also by mechanical or chemical aggression.

Although tooth enamel is the hardest element in the human body, it has the particularity of not regenerating. This is why it’s important to consult a dentist at the very first symptom.

The main causes of enamel wear

Tooth enamel erosion can have two causes. Mechanical causes include :

bruxism, involuntary grinding or clenching of the teeth, which weakens them and can lead to fractures;
an overly vigorous brushing technique or the use of a hard brush, which cause progressive abrasion of the enamel.

Chemical causes, which are just as common, are of two types:

excessive consumption of acidic foods and beverages (citrus fruits, tomatoes, soft drinks, tea, coffee, alcohol, etc.), which alter the pH of the mouth;
gastric reflux or repeated vomiting, sometimes linked to eating disorders or certain pathologies, make enamel more vulnerable.

How to recognize damaged enamel

The beginnings of dental erosion are often silent. However, there are a number of warning signs. Increased tooth sensitivity, particularly to cold or heat, indicates enamel thinning or embrittlement.

Yellowing or discoloration of the teeth can also be a symptom. As enamel wears away, darker dentin becomes visible.

Other warning signs include a rough feel and the appearance of cracks on the teeth.

Finally, the tendency to develop cavities more frequently can also be linked to tooth wear. Seeing a dentist as soon as possible can help confirm the diagnosis and slow the progress of erosion.

How can we prevent enamel wear on a daily basis?

Some simple gestures can delay the onset of erosion.

Use a soft toothbrush with gentle, circular movements, without applying pressure.
Limit consumption of acidic substances and wait about 30 minutes after ingestion before brushing your teeth.
Use a fluoride-enriched toothpaste to strengthen tooth surfaces and limit sensitivity.

What solutions exist to treat dental erosion?

Treatment always begins with a thorough oral examination. A health questionnaire enables the practitioner to assess the causes of the phenomenon, so that remedial action can be taken. Wearing an anti-bruxism mouthpiece or treating gastric reflux, for example, can help halt the progression of erosion.

Secondly, when the enamel is already damaged, various aesthetic treatments can be offered to restore damaged tooth enamel or rebuild the tooth: veneers, onlays, inlays or overlays, dental implants… These modern techniques improve chewing comfort and smile aesthetics.

Discover the Studio Dentaire approach

Our practice is based on comprehensive, personalized care. Our team, trained in the latest dentistry techniques, diagnoses erosion and suggests appropriate treatment.

We place great emphasis on human support: listening, transparency and education enable dentist and patient to progress together in complete confidence.

Benefit from customized dental erosion treatment at Studio Dentaire in Lyon.