If your teeth are more translucent than opaque, you need to take steps now to prevent the condition from worsening. Even the most oral health-conscious person can be affected by what causes translucent teeth.
Our teeth have multiple layers of hard tissue known as enamel, dentin and cementum with soft tissue layers known as pulp. Enamel is the outer coating we see. Underneath is the dentin, with the colouring of pale yellow, or black and gray. As our enamel begins to erode, our tooth can appear translucent, particularly at the bottom tip of the tooth.
Even if you take all of the precautions to prevent damage and injury to the teeth, there are still interior and exterior causes of translucent teeth. The most common causes are consumption of acidic foods and drinks, health conditions and aging.
Teeth require a balanced pH level of 7 for good oral health. Acidic foods and beverages can lower the pH to a level of 5.5 or lower, which is when the enamel of the tooth beings to erode or demineralize. Excessive consumption of citric fruits, carbonated beverages, candy, and coffee can speed up the process.
Enamel hypoplasia is an enamel defect that causes primary and permanent teeth to have a thin layer of enamel. In some cases of this dental condition, grooves, pits or white spots on the outer surface layer may form. The teeth will appear translucent due to the low amount of enamel with some cases having no enamel development at all.
Translucent teeth can also be caused by Celiac Disease, an autoimmune disease. This chronic condition is caused by the gluten in foods, which damages the small intestine. By avoiding the protein, a person may not receive proper nutrients, leading to enamel erosion. Frequent bouts of acid reflux from Celiac can also affect the enamel.
Translucent teeth are a common dental problem among people as they age. Even with proper oral care throughout your life, the enamel can gradually begin to demineralize leading to erosion. The signs are seen around the edges of the teeth.
Whether a home teeth whitening kit is used or whitening treatments are done by a professional, too much of a good thing can be bad for the enamel of the teeth. Excessive use can cause the teeth to rapidly demineralize, resulting in translucent teeth.
As high acidity can damage the tooth enamel, medical conditions such as acid reflux and heartburn can cause excessive exposure to the harmful acids. Conditions where vomiting is frequently experienced, such as pregnancy morning sickness and bulimia can also cause translucent teeth.
Once it is noticed, people want to know how to fix translucent teeth naturally. Unfortunately, enamel erosion cannot be reversed. Nor can it be magically fixed by home remedies. Only a professional dentist can treat the translucent teeth and help prevent further damage.
One of the more common translucent tooth treatments is referred to as dental bonding of the tooth. This painless cost-effective treatment works as a cosmetic tool and a preventive method to stop the enamel from further eroding.
Known as composite resin bonding, this procedure has a thin coating of a putty-like material applied to the tooth. A bonding technique secures the resin permanently in place. It is shaped and coloured to match the other teeth.
Dental veneers are designed to look like a natural tooth without the existence of spots, discolouration and blemishes on the surface. Veneers are used to “replace” the tooth enamel, preventing further erosion.
A thin layer of porcelain is attached to the front of the tooth. This non-intrusive option can last for decades with proper care as the material is strong and durable. Veneers can be shaded to match the rest of your smile.
For translucent teeth that have become weakened, cracked, or chipped, the dentist may add crowns to the teeth. Dental crowns are placed over the top of the teeth to protect the remaining structure.
Referred to as caps, crowns completely surround the entire tooth. By having a crown over the tooth, translucent teeth cannot be seen. This is a measure available in materials of resin, porcelain, ceramic, and metal.
While there is no procedure, medication, or special tactics to replace the natural enamel lost, there are measures you can take to remineralize the teeth.
Probiotics are the natural microbes considered as good bacteria for our overall health. Maintaining a high probiotic diet may help to promote good dental health. Enjoy probiotic-rich yogurt, kimchi, kefir, pickles, and sauerkraut.
Maintain teeth health with proper brushing at least twice a day. It is important to wait at least 30 minutes to brush after eating acidic foods or drinking acidic beverages. The enamel of the teeth are soft after exposure and brushing can transfer the acidity into the enamel.
In a perfect world, we would not have the damaging effects of carbonated or acidic beverages of pop and fruit juices. Even limiting these drinks can expose the enamel to harmful acidic levels. Use a straw to prevent exposure and drink a glass of water afterwards to eliminate lingering sugar and acidic components.
Add calcium to your daily diet to help strength the enamel of the teeth. Consume foods and beverage with high levels of calcium and minerals such as dairy products, green leafy vegetables, sardines, and food made with fortified flour.
If you’re concerned about translucent teeth and eroding enamel, see the team at Princeview Dental Group. We can help treat translucent teeth and form an oral health plan to protect your enamel. Contact us today!Please visit us at our new location under The Crooked Cue Pub and Restaurant at address, 3052 Bloor Street West, just west of Royal York Road on the north side
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