Question: My teeth are becoming transparent. I have stopped bad acidic food. But what do I do more and how I make them solid again? So they don't start decaying at young age.
Tooth starts becoming transparent due to the high consumption of coke, fizzy drinks, acidic drinks, citrus fruits or in medical conditions like people with high acidity, GERD, and others.
Over the period of time, first layer, Enamel (white layer) starts to get removed and the second layer Dentin (yellow layer) starts exposed.
Then the patient complains of generalized sensitivity (hot, cold, sugary food products and drinks) and they always get relief by using desensitizing toothpaste.
Tooth starts to appear-
Glossy, Shiny, Yellow more,
Flat surface, Sharp edges of the tooth(which can create ulcer on the side of the tongue, cheek). In dental terms, it is called DENTAL EROSION.
It is advisable to completely stop acidic food.
Also, take Antacid medication or drink if you have acidity.
What you can do to Save teeth from Acidity
1. Start eating raw fruits (non citrus) and vegetables.
2. Advice to take Sugar free Chewing gum because it increases salivary production and Saliva protects from Erosion.
3. Stop applying Baking soda/ powder, Slice of lemon directly on the tooth surface, it will further damage the tooth and make it more sensitive.
4. Do not brush immediately after having any fizz drinks/ citrus fruits. Wait for an hour or so.
5. Sharp edges on the tooth need to reduce down.
6. Start taking antacid tablets or liquid to control acidity.
7. Take supplemental B12 tablets.
The teeth which are reduced once cannot be made the same again but you can make them not fall again or go beyond this level.
In extreme cases, where even desensitizing toothpaste is not able to control the sensitivity, where the tooth erosion is so high that the patient is having extreme pain and sensitivity to hot, cold, sugary, sour food products or drinks, then, in that case, you need to get it treated.
Either simple Filling will close the exposed tooth structure or RCT followed by the crown will be done.
For not decaying if you have acute carious activity in your mouth. For that
- If you do not have fluorosis then Choose FLUORONIDATED TOOTHPASTE
3m clinpro 5000 1.1% toothpaste (it's more expensive than the other toothpaste available on the market)
or Enafix toothpaste.
Reduces risk for cavity and makes enamel strong. FLOURODINATED TOOTHPASTE decreases enamel solubility by acids and also improves remineralization.
3. Use of Mouthwash like chlorhexidine, hydrogen peroxide, or betadine or salt water rinses
4. Use of Interdental Brushes/Toothpicks.
5. Gum paints like Stolin. Metrohex plus gel for gum care.
6. Fluoride application every 6 months from a nearby Dentist.
7. Tell your Dentist to take 5 x-rays (upper/ lower right and left back teeth from canine to the last molar) of yours every quarterly or 6 months or yearly (depending on the caries activity level) quarterly left-back and keep a track of caries activity.
8. Brushing at night is super important, no matter what you eat or drink. Mouthwash cannot be a substitute for brushing. Brushing is a must. You can do Clean Brushing (without toothpaste). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEqDNAJbwmY
9. Restrict eating toffee/ chocolate/ milk/soda/pizza/burger/chewing gum/or any food or drink in between your meal.
10. Stop habits like drinking coke, lime, any fizzy drinks, tobacco, paan, smoke, and similar.
You need to reduce the bacterial load in your mouth, as soon as you do it you will see a change.
Get your fillings completed before it reaches deep. It will save not only your tooth from getting super decay but also save your money which you will be spending on the future high-end treatment.
