What causes pitted and defective enamel?
Dental erosion is the process of deterioration of the hard dental tissue, i.e., the enamel. The dental enamel has the task of covering and protecting the dentin, and following some factors and external agents, can undergo a process of demineralization of the pH. One of the biggest contributors to this demineralization is the consumption of acidic foods and lack of proper oral care. However, it is not only acids that determine dental erosion. Pitted and defective enamel, in fact, can derive from various factors which usually have nothing to do with damage to the enamel caused by the bacterial action of plaque and caries.
Before listing the possible causes that cause erosion of the dental enamel, it is good to distinguish between the reasons related to the behaviors and habits of each person and those related to the health conditions of the patients, including issues such as reflux or bulimia.
Among the behaviors that can lead to the phenomenon of dental erosion, the most frequent include:
- smoking and alcohol abuse
- frequent consumption of acidic foods and drinks such as fruit juices, citrus fruits, carbonated and sugary drinks
Even some incorrect behaviors concerning the care of the oral cavity can lead to the problem of sensitive teeth, then causing dental erosion. Among these we therefore mention:
- the use of a toothbrush with bristles that are too stiff or too worn
- choosing poor quality whitening toothpastes
- too vigorous and intense brushing of the teeth or performed incorrectly
The factors that instead derive from the subject's health conditions include some pathologies, including:
- gastroesophageal reflux and hiatal hernia, in which the action of acids rising from the stomach can generate dental contact
- dental malocclusion and chewing problems
- bulimia, for which the patient, forcing vomiting in order to lose weight, can repeatedly damage the enamel
- bruxism, i.e., the grinding of the teeth which makes the enamel more sensitive to the action of acids
- the reduced flow of saliva, present as a side effect of some drugs with a high acid content
- the natural aging process, by which the gums begin to recede, revealing the root area where the protection of the enamel is particularly susceptible
Another possible cause that can generate tooth sensitivity and lead to pitting is the filling or the application of a prosthesis for a missing or damaged tooth. In general, feeling greater sensitivity in the area where the operation was performed is completely normal after this type of operation, as the spaces where the nerve fibers reside are uncovered and changes in temperature can cause discomfort and pain. During the post-operative period, therefore, it is important that oral cleaning is effective and carried out correctly to avoid the formation of tartar and plaque, which could lead to more difficult situations to manage such as gingivitis or periodontitis, leading to dental erosion.
It is important to understand that once tooth enamel begins to erode, there is nothing that can be done to reverse any damage that has been done, so it is important to visit your dentist regularly, use proper oral hygiene and limit your intake of certain foods that can speed up erosion and demineralization of tooth enamel.
If your teeth are pitted, reach out and ask about dental bonding.