Is your Enamel at Risk of Erosion?

Experiencing tooth sensitivity, noticing discolouration or small chips/cracks around your teeth is a possible sign your tooth enamel has eroded. There are several ways tooth enamel may be put at risk of erosion.

The most common ways include:
1) Clenching/grinding your teeth.
2) Brushing your teeth too hard.
3) Plaque build-up.
4) Acid reflux.

The team at Woollahra Dental Practice can help by protecting your teeth from future erosion caused by clenching/grinding your teeth (known as bruxism). They can create a perfectly fitting mouth guard/splint. This guard will create a safety barrier between your teeth that can be worn night or day depending on your current bruxism pattern.

If you have abrasions in your enamel (little lines or rough edges across your teeth) as a result of brushing too hard or as a result of plaque build-up, one of Woollahra Dental Practice’s Hygienists can help. They will take the time to show you a new brushing technique.  They will also demonstrate and explain how using an Electric Tooth Brush removes more plaque and is more effective than manual brushing.

Dr Tony Ancell, who has a holistic approach to dentistry, can look at the potential causes of acid reflux erosion to teeth. Studies have shown sleep apnoea to be a predominate cause of acid reflux erosion.  He will provide you with an at home sleep study and a sleep appliance, such as a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure), which has been shown to help reduce acid reflux occurring at night-time.

However, if a preventative approach isn’t possible then an active restoration approach will be necessary to restore your teeth. Depending on the size and area of enamel that has eroded a simple filling could do just the trick. Alternatively, restorations such as lengthening, crowns or veneers may be required to fully cover and protect the tooth from further erosion. Teeth that are left untreated put the tooth’s root at risk and may require root canal therapy.

Give Woollahra Dental Practice a call today on 02 9363 5690 to schedule an appointment with one of their friendly, helpful team members. Loss of enamel doesn’t have to mean the loss of your beautiful smile.