Dentin is the yellowish layer of your tooth located under your enamel. As the enamel wears down and the dentin gets thinner and a thinner layer of enamel covers the dentin, it becomes more transparent and your teeth will appear more yellow. [2] X Research source How yellow your teeth are is a good indication of how thin your enamel is; the less enamel you have, the more yellow your teeth will be. [3] X Expert Source Tu Anh Vu, DMDBoard Certified Dentist Expert Interview. 20 May 2020. If you’re uncertain as to whether your teeth are yellow from stains or due to enamel loss, try having them whitened. Artificial stains will come off.
When you lose enamel your teeth may take on a rounded shape and can also cause your teeth to look shorter than normal. If you have a tooth filling, you may notice that your tooth seems to have shrunk around the filling. This shrinkage is caused by the loss of tooth enamel.
Even if your teeth haven’t developed fractures yet, you should see a doctor as soon as you notice that your teeth are looking brittle and thin. This is a sign that they might fracture soon.
This sensitivity may arise when you eat hot or cold foods and occasionally sweet foods, or when you inhale cool air. In severe enamel and dentin decay, the pulp, which is the innermost part of the tooth, could also become damaged, leading to a lesion called pulpitis. If this is the case, you will experience severe pain when you eat. [6] X Research source
The chewing surfaces of your teeth become flattened, which causes you to bite and chew your food with difficulty. Aside from it being more difficult to chew, you might also experience pain when you take a bite of food.
The cavities on the surface of the tooth can enter into the deeper parts of the tooth through the opening that missing enamel has left unprotected. This can cause extreme pain and in some cases, infection due to bacteria that has an easier access through the porous structure of dentin.
Try to visit your dentist at least once a year. Though some dentists will want to see you every six months; going at least once a year will help with early detection of enamel loss. If you think you may have a cavity, point it out to your dentist at the beginning of the appointment. Mention any other symptoms you may be experiencing, as well.
Always use a soft bristle brush, along with gentle strokes when brushing. Don’t forget those hard to reach places such as your gums and back teeth. Try to spend at least two minutes just on those areas, but brush gently.
Getting fitted for a custom mouth guard or purchasing an inexpensive option online will help to protect against those harmful grinding and clenching habits.
In addition to biting your nails, refrain from chewing on bottle caps and pens as doing these things can also contribute to wear and tear of the enamel. Chewing ice or tobacco is another stressful activity for your teeth and can result in chips and fractures, which contribute to enamel loss.
Ditch carbonated beverages such as soda and fruit juices that are high in sugar. If you do choose to drink soda or juice, get in the habit of rinsing your mouth out with water afterwards. [13] X Research source Sports drinks, wine, and beer are also high in sugar and should be avoided as often as possible. Just like with soda and juice, try to rinse with water after consuming these beverages. [14] X Research source
Foods like candy bars and toffee can do a number on your teeth, as can starchy foods such as bread. You don’t necessarily have to give up these tasty treats. Simply limit your intake and space out your sticky foods. For example, if you consumed a lot of bread with dinner, try not to eat toffee for dessert.
Because these medication are acidic by nature, damage can occur when they come into contact with tooth surfaces. Corrosion is one of the damaging side effects. Know that you don’t have to abstain from taking these often beneficial medications. Always take oral medicines, such as aspirin, with a glass of water. For chewable medicines, rinse your mouth out with water, then wait a few minutes before brushing your teeth.
There are many illnesses which affect tooth enamel loss. Acid reflux, gastrointestinal problems, peptic ulcers, bulimia, alcoholism, and pregnancy are just a few examples of such illnesses. Despite what you may think, it’s better not to brush your teeth right after you’ve vomited. The acidic environment softens your enamel and brushing immediately can harm your teeth. Instead, simply rinse with water, wait for a half hour or so and then brush your teeth. [17] X Research source
