Looks like Acid Reflux

I am having some issues with my teeth. About 10 years ago, during my college days, I had a bad habit of drinking soda. I consumed a lot of soda, on a regular basis.

After college, when I started my first prof job in Jan 2002, I again began to see the dentist regularly (every 6 months) for cleanings and check-ups. I diligently brush and floss on a regular basis.

However, the back of my teeth (inner side near the tongue) is wearing away. I believe I permanently damaged the enamel on the inner surface of my front upper and lower teeth, and over time my teeth have become thinner. I recently noticed that my front upper teeth have become so thin, that they’re wearing away (a small chip, and degrading to a different shape).

Is there any type of procedure/fix that I could get done to correct this? What do you recommend? Thanks.
- Paul from Florida

Paul,
You say you had the soda-drinking habit ten years ago. Can I assume that you don’t have this habit any more? If so, it doesn’t sound like your old soda habit is what is hurting your teeth.

When the insides of the teeth, particularly the upper front teeth, dissolve away, that is one of the signs of acid reflux or bulimia. Tooth decay is different - it usually starts with one spot where it penetrates the tooth and then it creates a soft spot there. If the teeth are being washed in some acid on a regular basis, that will cause a general thinning of the teeth at the surface where the acid touches. This will also happen if you suck on lemons, for example. Then the teeth, which continue to get thinner, will start to chip away.

Now, soda is acidic and can cause this same sort of problem if the soda is held in your mouth before swallowing. It is possible that the soda dissolved away all or almost all of the enamel and that now the softer dentin is exposed.

The treatment is to get the vulnerable surfaces of the teeth covered with porcelain. This restores the missing tooth structure and strengthens the teeth against further attacks. Full porcelain crowns work very well for this. It’s also important to resolve whatever the issue is that caused the teeth to weaken so that the treatment will not be undermined by continued acid attacks.

Links for further information:
Bulimia and teeth
Seattle cosmetic dentist

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