Normal teeth are usually opaque, but maybe standing in front of the mirror, you may notice that the edges of your teeth have turned transparent or translucent. You may start to worry because you regularly visit your dentist and follow a good oral hygiene routine. This article will explore the causes behind transparent or translucent teeth enabling you to tackle and prevent the problem before it worsens.
What Causes Your Teeth To Look Translucent?
Tooth enamel is a layer that sits on the top of teeth and is the part visible in the mirror. The enamel itself is a semi-translucent thin shell that constitutes the tooth’s outer part and doesn’t play a significant role in giving color to your teeth. The layer underneath the enamel is the dentin that is the actual provider of tooth coloration. The dentin color may be white, off-white, grey, or yellow, depending on genetic and environmental factors.
The edges of teeth don’t have dentin and are only covered by the enamel, and for this reason, they might appear grey or transparent. When due to several reasons, the enamel fades away, the edges of your teeth may appear see-through.
Why Are Your Teeth Turning Clear/transparent?
The erosion of enamel on the borders of your teeth is what makes them look transparent or translucent. Certain diseases affect tooth structure and strength, resulting in see-through teeth. The medical conditions include:
Celiac Disease
Along with affecting the small intestine, celiac disease causes poor tooth enamel development, which results in translucent teeth. Patients suffering from this condition often experience pitted discoloration, and the tips of the teeth start appearing transparent.
Enamel Hypoplasia
This condition is the side effect of genetics and environmental factors and results in thinning the teeth’ bottom part. It can also make the tooth enamel thinner, giving your teeth a transparent appearance. Enamel hypoplasia begins affecting your teeth’ development from a very early age and erodes the minerals from your enamel (known as hypomineralization), resulting in clear teeth.
Acid Erosion
Regularly drinking acidic foods and drinks can not only negatively impact your body, but it can also result in premature erosion of tooth enamel, giving you a translucent smile. The acid comes from the foods and drinks and your stomach due to bulimia, morning sickness, or GERD.
Apart from the above diseases, various other reasons can make the front or bottom of your teeth see-through. See your dentist and learn about the actual reason behind tooth transparency.
Symptoms Associated With Translucent Teeth
The most prominent sign of translucent teeth is enamel erosion. It contributes to the transparency of teeth, and if the process continues, it will expose the second layer of teeth – dentin. The symptoms of transparent or translucent teeth include:
- Tooth Sensitivity: Do you experience sensitivity to hot or cold foods and beverages, or eating sweet foods give you a minor pain? If yes, your enamel is under attack.
- Canker Sores: The acids in the food and drinks you consume can erode your tooth enamel and give you canker sores.
- Dry Mouth: The involvement of acid in the mouth, either due to any disease or eating habits, can wear the enamel and cause a dry mouth. Saliva provides the essential enzymes that help fight off tooth decay and cavities. The scarcity of saliva can prove to be fatal for your teeth as it can intensify the erosion.
Treatments options for transparent teeth
If your teeth begin to appear transparent or translucent, it’s best to fix them as soon as possible. Talk to your dentist to determine what is best for you. Since translucent teeth are more prone to cavity-causing bacteria, immediate treatment is your best bet. How to fix transparent or translucent teeth have a few answers, including:
- Dental Bonding: Bonding is a quick way to fix the translucent edges of your teeth. Upon choosing this transparency treatment, a composite resin will be applied to your teeth and then shaped and molded to fit your mouth.
- Veneer: A fantastic way to hide tooth translucency is the application of veneers. These thin porcelain shells permanently sit over the front surfaces of your teeth. This treatment will require two sessions with your dentist, during which a minor layer of enamel is removed from the tooth surface, and the veneers are cemented.
- Crowns: These dental caps made of ceramic or porcelain fit over a tooth and provide it strength and structure.
How To Prevent Tooth Enamel Erosion?
If your teeth’ front or bottom looks bad or appears clear around the edges, you need to gear up for some healthy oral hygiene habits. Dentists recommend flossing once and brushing your teeth twice daily using fluoride toothpaste to protect your enamel from erosion. Fluoride is essential to oral health, and it helps strengthen your existing tooth enamel. Below are some additional tips you can follow to prevent your teeth from becoming transparent.
- Eat and drink healthy: Reduce your intake of acidic foods and beverages and eat more healthy (neutral) foods and drinks.
- Drink plenty of water: Drinking water throughout the day will help prevent dry mouth. Also, make it a habit to drink water after eating or drinking something acidic to swish away the acids and food debris.
- Increase saliva production: Chewing sugar-free gums boost saliva production that helps prevent dry mouth.
- Make straw your friend: When drinking anything acidic, use a straw to avoid your teeth getting in touch with the acidic beverages.
- Visit your dentist regularly: Dental cleanings from a certified dentist will help you eliminate plaque buildup. During the checkup, your dentist can also identify other issues and provide on-time treatment.
Schedule an appointment today!
At The Smile Artisans, we offer exceptional services for each of our patients. If you notice your teeth are turning translucent or see-through at the bottom, visit our top rated dentist in Cypress for expert advice. To book an appointment with some of the best dental professionals in the region, call (832) 220-6087.