We honestly mean that. A smile brightens everyone’s features. But, what if you’re self-conscious of your smile? Maybe your teeth aren’t as white as you want them to be. Or perhaps, the teeth look a bit worn down. These might be signs that the teeth have some erosion. (Cue dramatic music—dun dun dun!) Is there any hope for your smile? Of course! Keep reading to find out how.
Erosion is the wearing down of the tooth’s enamel. It can be caused by acid erosion and physical erosion. Acid erosion can be a result of acidic foods and beverages and stomach acid (i.e. heartburn). Reference 1 Physical erosion can be caused by harsh and abrasive brushing and grinding of the teeth (aka bruxism). Reference 2
You might have erosion of the teeth if you experience sensitivity to hot and/or cold foods. If your teeth don’t look like they have corners, and they have a more rounded appearance then you might have erosion. If your teeth look discolored or even start to look discolored, you might have erosion. Other symptoms include dents and/or cracks in the teeth. Reference 3
If you suspect that your teeth are eroded, there are a few things that you can do on your own to prevent any further damage to your smile.
It is imperative that you see your dentist to treat the erosion if you already have it. Regular dental appointments will definitely help your dentist detect any possible signs of erosion so that it doesn’t worsen. He can also offer options to treat the causes of erosion. For example, if you experience bruxism, we offer some options to treat that. If you are concerned about your teeth looking worn down because of erosion, Dr. McVey can offer different options to improve their appearance.
This can be prevented by some of the actions that are listed above. But, if your smile is already suffering from a worn down appearance, there are options to treat and correct it. We’re more than happy to help you when you’re ready. We’re always ready to make your smile the best that it can be.
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