The tooth enamel is the outer layer of the tooth. Damage or wear to the tooth enamel can cause many problems, from the smile’s aesthetics to comfort. Acidic foods and beverages, dry mouth, acid reflux, and even certain medications can wear down the teeth. Highly porous teeth occur due to demineralization, meaning they lose some of their structure. Plaque, a bacterial film, can build up on the teeth, entering the enamel and affecting patients’ oral health. Our Newport News, VA, dental office helps patients treat porous teeth and enhance their oral health.
Do I Have Porous Teeth?
Although everyone has pores in their teeth, some patients may be more likely to sustain tooth damage because of their tooth structure. There are several tell-tale signs that you have damaged or highly porous teeth:
- Semitranslucent enamel
- Tooth sensitivity to temperature or sweet foods
- Cracks or chips in the tooth enamel
- Tooth discoloration
- Severe tooth pain
Please contact our office if you notice any of these symptoms. While you may not have highly porous teeth, you may be more susceptible to problems like decay or damage.
What is Dental Fluorosis?
Dental fluorosis occurs when children consume an excess of fluoride. Signs of fluorosis include white spots on the enamel, chalk-like lines in the teeth, and whiter edges on the enamel. While fluorosis is not a painful problem, it impacts the smile’s aesthetics. More rare cases of fluorosis damage teeth.
Typically, fluorosis occurs as the teeth form. Signs of fluorosis can vary from tiny streaks, spots, or lacy white edges on teeth to light white or brown areas on the enamel.
Treat Porous Teeth in Newport News
We offer cosmetic dental treatments like porcelain veneers and dental bonding to protect porous teeth. Dental veneers are thin, shell-like treatments that we use to cover one or all of the teeth in the smile line. Veneers are great for patients with multiple damaged teeth. Dental bonding treatment uses a moldable tooth-colored material that can cover smaller areas of tooth damage. Bonding is also a great option for patients who do not want to permanently change their teeth, because veneers require tooth preparation.
Our team works with patients to see if dental veneers or tooth bonding treatment is more useful for their symptoms. Sometimes we will recommend tooth crowns if patients have extensive damage, especially on the molars. No matter the treatment, dental veneers, tooth bonding, and dental crowns can address highly porous or damaged teeth.
Do you have weakened, stained, or damaged teeth? Request a dental appointment with our team online or call Dr. William Harper today at 757.414.7227. If you have any questions about your options, please let Dr. Harper know, and he will be glad to help.