This is a PDF on research conducted by the NSW Centre for Oral Health. It is a bit lengthy (23pgs) but it is worth the read for in depth knowledge on oral health.
Archive for the ‘Signs of enamel erosion’ Category
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The deal with Sugar-Free Gum
Studies have shown that chewing sugar-free gum after a meal does help to clear food debris from the mouth and stimulates the production of saliva by as much as 10 times the normal rate!
Saliva plays an important role in reducing the risk of tooth decay and helps remineralize teeth. Saliva neutralizes the acidity your mouth, provides calcium and phosphate to aid in the process of remineralization.
Saliva is capable of storing and releasing fluoride to inhibit the production of bacterial acid, and hardens teeth so they are less soluble.
Whilst chewing sugar-free gum is helpful, it is not an adequate replacement for brushing you teeth twice a day. Chewing gum that contains sugar will nourish oral bacteria and increases tooth decay.
Rose Carr
Senior Nutritionist
New Zealand Health Guide
Issue 67, pg 20
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Oral Health Evaluator
Try this online oral health application. Should take around 5mins.
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Signs of enamel erosion
Signs
Teeth may look healthy
Dentist’s torch may show transparency (light adjusted to show clinical situation).
What to look out for
Early stages:
- sensitivity when consuming hot or cold food and drinks;
- a rounded look on the surface of the tooth;
- a slight yellow appearance as the tooth becomes thinner and the underlying dentine shows through.
Later stages:
- darker yellow appearance of the teeth;
- transparency at the edges;
- sensitivity becoming more severe;
- small dents on the tooth surface.
The effects of acid erosion cannot be reversed & if left to advance may require treatment from the dentist to restore & protect the affected teeth. In very extreme cases the damage caused may require affected teeth to be extracted.