Erosion of teeth and restoration of enamel

Enamel is the outermost layer of teeth that protects against physical and chemical damage. Although enamel is very tough and is also the hardest tissue in the human body - even harder than bone - tooth erosion can still happen.
Specifically, the causes of tooth wear include:
Eating a lot of sugary foods, such as ice cream, sweets, syrups and caramels. Eat a lot of starchy foods, such as bread,... One of the main causes of tooth decay is the acid in food and water. Eating a lot of sour, acidic foods, excess vitamin C such as citrus fruits, apples, ..., especially accompanied by not brushing properly will cause the outer enamel layer to be shaved. wear down over time. This is called chemical erosion of teeth. Fruit drinks and fruit juices contain many strong corrosive acids. Soft drinks and sodas contain a lot of sugar, phosphoric and citric acids. Drinking too many soft drinks will create favorable conditions for bacteria in the mouth to thrive and they produce acids that can erode tooth enamel. This condition will get worse without regular and proper oral hygiene. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or heartburn causes acid from the stomach to push up into the mouth, damaging tooth enamel. Dry mouth, or low saliva production (xerostomia), is a symptom of many diseases, including diabetes. Saliva plays an important role in keeping teeth healthy, protecting enamel by coating the teeth with calcium and minerals. Saliva also dilutes acidic corrosive agents, removes waste from the mouth, and strengthens protective substances that help fight bacteria and dental disease. Therefore, saliva helps prevent tooth decay by washing away bacteria and food residues in the mouth, continuously neutralizing acids to protect teeth. Regular use of certain medications, such as antihistamines, aspirin, and vitamin C. Eating disorders, such as bulimia, disrupt the digestive system and expose the teeth to more stomach acid. More and more findings show that bulimia is the cause of enamel wear and tooth decay. Bulimia is an eating disorder that involves binge eating and vomiting. Frequent vomiting is the cause of tooth enamel erosion and can lead to tooth decay. Drink too much alcohol. Smoking Genetics. The natural phenomenon of friction between teeth and teeth that occurs during teeth grinding, often unintentionally during sleep. Mechanical wear is the physical wear and tear of the tooth surface that occurs when brushing too hard, flossing incorrectly, biting on hard objects (such as nails, bottle caps, or pens). or chew tobacco. Teeth that are cracked or broken due to dental procedures or from trauma or accidents.

Signs of enamel wear can vary, depending on the stage. Some signs of tooth erosion may include:
Increased sensitivity to tastes, temperatures and hard foods. Sweet foods, hot or cold foods will make the teeth extremely sensitive, causing severe and sharp pain in the early stages of enamel erosion. Discolored teeth. As enamel wears away and exposes more dentin, teeth can become discolored to a yellow stain. Cracks and breaks in teeth. The edges of the teeth become rough, uneven, and jagged, and cracks or breaks appear as the enamel wears away. Smooth, shiny tooth surfaces are a sign of mineral loss. Indentations appear on the tooth surface at the bite and chewing positions. When enamel is worn away, teeth are more susceptible to tooth decay. Small cavities may not cause problems at first. But as decay grows and penetrates the hard enamel, it invades the main body of the tooth, which can affect the tiny nerve fibers, leading to an abscess, pulpitis or extremely painful infection. pain. Watch now: 19 habits that damage your teeth

Tooth enamel does not have any living cells and cannot repair itself if it undergoes physical or chemical damage. This means that enamel erosion cannot be reversed and enamel will not grow back. However, this process of enamel erosion takes place over a long period of time. So, even when tooth decay is present, we can still prevent it from getting worse. Therefore, the best way to treat tooth wear and root erosion is to prevent and restore enamel in the first place. The following are measures to help restore enamel:
Limit your intake of highly acidic foods and drinks such as carbonated soft drinks, lemons, fruits and citrus juices. When eating and drinking any acidic food, eat with meals to limit the harmful effects of eroding tooth enamel. In addition, you can also use drinks with low acid content. Rinse your mouth with clean water immediately after eating acidic foods or drinking acidic beverages. Use a straw when drinking acidic drinks. The straw will push the drink to the back of your mouth, limiting contact with your teeth. Drinking a glass of milk or eating a piece of cheese at the end of a meal will help remove excess acid in the mouth. Do not eat snacks (snacks, cakes, candies) as well as fast foods, unless you can rinse your mouth and brush your teeth after each meal. Frequent snacking increases the likelihood of tooth decay. At the same time, the amount of acid in the mouth also increases for several hours after eating foods high in sugar and starch. Chew sugar-free gum in between meals. Chewing gum increases saliva production by 10 times compared to normal secretion. Saliva strengthens minerals that are important for strong teeth. It's best to choose sugar-free gum with xylitol, as it's been shown to reduce acidity in beverages and foods. Drink more water during the day if there is decreased salivation or dry mouth. Use a toothpaste that contains fluoride to help replenish minerals for strong teeth. Use a soft toothbrush and don't brush too hard. Because if the toothbrush is too hard or brushing too hard, it will soften the enamel and make the teeth more susceptible to damage. Wait at least an hour after you've eaten acidic foods or drinks before brushing. Visit your dentist every 6 months to check your oral health and clean your teeth regularly. Treat conditions such as bulimia, alcoholism, or GERD. Although enamel is the hardest tissue in the body, tooth erosion can still occur. Therefore, the best way to treat tooth wear and root erosion is to prevent and restore enamel in the first place.
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References: colgate.com, webmd.com, healthline.com