Tooth erosion can spell disaster for your perfect smile, and despite the lengthy healing process, it can be repaired thanks to recent advances in dental technology.
"The biggest thing we've found with tooth erosion is there are so many things that contribute to it," explains Dr. Christie Leedy with Abilene Dental. "You've got to look at your lifestyle, and medications... kind of a check list if you will."
Everything from soft drinks, to energy drinks, even Gatorade can cause your teeth to begin to erode. Eating disorders and acid reflux disease are also two big contributors to the erosion of teeth.
"The trick is, it hides from you because number one, it's so gradual," says Dr. Christie, "and number two... at first glance you wouldn't think that there was much going on."
One of the first signs of tooth erosion, is teeth appearing darker in nature. The dark shading means the first layer of enamel has been stripped away, leaving the second layer exposed. Another sign of erosion, is sensitive teeth.
"The teeth almost look like a bowl because the enamel on the top surface is just eaten out and abrading," explains Dr. Christie.
If erosion is allowed to continue, it could cause the bite to collapse and according to Dr. Christie, there is no set time frame in which serious erosion occurs.
"I've seen it in 22-year-olds, I've seen it in 82-year-olds," explains Dr. Christie, "a lot of it depends on your lifestyle."
Connect With Abilene Dental:
Abilene Dental
5309 Buffalo Gap Rd
(325) 692-3344
Find them on Facebook!
Twitter: @Abilene_Dental
"The biggest thing we've found with tooth erosion is there are so many things that contribute to it," explains Dr. Christie Leedy with Abilene Dental. "You've got to look at your lifestyle, and medications... kind of a check list if you will."
Everything from soft drinks, to energy drinks, even Gatorade can cause your teeth to begin to erode. Eating disorders and acid reflux disease are also two big contributors to the erosion of teeth.
"The trick is, it hides from you because number one, it's so gradual," says Dr. Christie, "and number two... at first glance you wouldn't think that there was much going on."
One of the first signs of tooth erosion, is teeth appearing darker in nature. The dark shading means the first layer of enamel has been stripped away, leaving the second layer exposed. Another sign of erosion, is sensitive teeth.
"The teeth almost look like a bowl because the enamel on the top surface is just eaten out and abrading," explains Dr. Christie.
If erosion is allowed to continue, it could cause the bite to collapse and according to Dr. Christie, there is no set time frame in which serious erosion occurs.
"I've seen it in 22-year-olds, I've seen it in 82-year-olds," explains Dr. Christie, "a lot of it depends on your lifestyle."
Connect With Abilene Dental:
Abilene Dental
5309 Buffalo Gap Rd
(325) 692-3344
Find them on Facebook!
Twitter: @Abilene_Dental
