Pits in Tooth Enamel
Keeping the enamel of your teeth healthy is very important. If you don’t, erosion can occur, and pits can form. This can permanently damage your teeth. Below is more information about what tooth enamel is, pits in tooth enamel, signs of erosion, and how you can avoid tooth erosion entirely.
What is Enamel?
Tooth enamel is the tough, thin outer covering of a tooth. It covers the crown of the tooth and is extremely hard. Enamel is translucent and is not the part of the tooth that gives it its color. Since it cannot be grown back, it’s important to take care of the enamel of your teeth.
The purpose of tooth enamel is to protect your teeth from everything from biting and chewing to grinding. It also insulates your teeth from chemicals.
What Leads to Erosion?
There are a variety of things that can lead to tooth erosion. These include:
- Drinking soda and fruit drinks. Soda has a high acid content, which eats away at your enamel over time. Some fruit drinks are also high in acid, which has the same effect as soda on your teeth.
- Acid reflux and heartburn. When stomach acid comes up to the mouth, it wears away at the enamel of the teeth.
- Grinding and clenching. Grinding and clenching of the teeth (also known as “bruxism”) wear away at the surface of the teeth and the enamel.
- Brushing too hard. Brushing too hard and other forms of abrasion wears away at the surface of your teeth.
In order to avoid erosion, cut back on the amount of soda and fruit drinks you are consuming. This is particularly the case for fruit drinks that are high in acids. If you have acid reflux, see a doctor for medication. Also, consider changing your diet.
Grinding and clenching can be addressed with a mouth guard. See your dentist to have one custom-made.
Signs of Enamel Erosion
There are a few signs of enamel erosion that you should look out for. These include:
- Cracks and chips
- Pain and sensitivity
- Discoloration
- Pits and fissures
Pits and fissures in tooth enamel are caused by plaque. Over time, the bacteria in plaque can turn food starches into acids. This eats away at the teeth and causes pits in tooth enamel.
Enamel Erosion Treatment
As tooth enamel cannot be regrown, treatment is focused on repairing the tooth and preventing further damage. Tooth bonding may be used for cosmetic and functional reasons. If the erosion is bad enough, a crown or veneer may be required.
In order to prevent fissures and pits, fissure sealants may be a good option. Ask your dentist about sealants to prevent pits and fissures from forming.
Contact Us
If you would like to learn more information about preventing and treating pits in tooth enamel, contact us today. We can set an appointment for an examination and then determine the best treatment options to meet your needs.