The Inside Scoop About Enamel Erosion

Tooth sensitivity may not seem like a big deal…that is, until you have it. The shooting pain that comes when you bite into an ice cream cone or take a sip of hot coffee is just unbearable. If you have severe tooth sensitivity, even an icy cold wind can leave your teeth in pain.

What causes tooth sensitivity? Enamel erosion might be to blame, and the same goes for tooth decay.

To understand what enamel erosion is, you first need to understand what tooth enamel is. Enamel is the hard, white coating that covers your teeth. This coating is your teeth’s natural defense system, and nature knew what it was doing when it designed the human body because tooth enamel is the second hardest naturally occurring substance in the universe, second only to diamonds! This means that it can protect your teeth from the extreme pressures, temperatures, and elements your teeth come in contact with on a daily basis.

Still, however, your enamel isn’t indestructible. While it’s unlikely that your dental enamel can chip off, it’s very likely that it can wear away, and this can happen for several reasons. In most cases of enamel erosion, acid is to blame. Every time we eat or drink, acids form in our mouths and, if not removed by proper brushing, flossing, and rinsing, can begin to eat away at our tooth enamel. Enamel erosion is often present in people with acid reflux disease and GERD because of the high levels of acid that come up from the stomach to the mouth. Frequent vomiting and consuming foods and drinks that are high in sugar and carbohydrates expose your teeth to even more acidity. Continue reading “The Inside Scoop About Enamel Erosion”

How often should you go to the dentist?

How often do you need to go to the dentist?

Any guesses? The correct answer is every 6 months, but most people go much longer between visits to the dentist’s office. The truth is, if you’re overdue for a dental checkup, you might be putting yourself at risk for developing serious oral and overall health problems.

The American Dental Association suggests sticking to the 6-month rule, and the team at Wager Evans Dental agrees. Oral health problems, such as periodontal disease, oral cancer, and tooth decay, can usually be effectively treated when caught early, and we look for signs of these conditions, plus more, at your dental checkups.

Additionally, we will look at each tooth in your mouth to assess problems like cracks and wearing, as well as old fillings and other dental work to see if it needs replacing. If your deteriorated metal restorations need replacing, we will most likely suggest using tooth-colored alternative restorations, such as crowns and metal-free fillings.

By checking your mouth for signs of trouble every 6 months, your potential for danger is greatly reduced. For example, if left untreated, a small cavity can grow to destroy an entire tooth and spread to surrounding teeth. If that cavity is caught early, it can be filled before the damage spreads.

Don’t put yourself at risk for developing debilitating and lifelong dental and overall health problems. Be proactive and come to the dentist every 6 months.

We’re Dr. William Wager and Dr. Brian Evans, and we give complete dental care to patients from Spanish Springs, Dayton, Fernley, and the surrounding areas. Call our dental office in Reno, Nevada, at (775) 800-4845 to schedule an appointment.