Have you noticed your teeth looking translucent at the bottom or around the edges?
This can be a sign of enamel erosion – and it can be caused by various factors from lifestyle habits to health conditions. The good thing is that we can address the issue and prevent further damage once the cause is identified (especially at the early stages).
So, what are transparent teeth and what’s causing those translucent edges? Here’s all you need to know about transparent teeth as well as its causes and treatment methods.
Let’s dive in!
What are Transparent Teeth?
Teeth aren’t meant to appear transparent.
If your teeth appear transparent or see-through when light passes through them, it could be a sign of enamel erosion. When the enamel wears down, it leaves the inner layers of your teeth more exposed and visible, creating that transparent look around the edges.
What’s more? Translucent teeth can also be warning signs of other oral health issues. Therefore, this condition is not one that should be ignored – both for aesthetic and oral health reasons.
If you notice any transparency in your teeth, make sure to schedule a consultation with our dentist. Catching it early on will help us prevent it before the effects of enamel erosion become hard to reverse.
What are the Causes of Transparent Teeth?
When it comes to transparent teeth (also called translucent teeth), enamel erosion is more likely to be the cause.
Talking about the enamel, it is the protective outer layer of your teeth and also the hardest tissue in the human body. Now, you may think that it won’t chip or crack if it’s the hardest tissue in your body. Sadly, that’s not true. Your enamel can also get damaged and wear away, making the dentin of your teeth more visible – and that’s when your teeth get that translucent appearance.
Common causes of transparent teeth include:
Enamel Hypoplasia
This genetic condition that affects your teeth during the development stage can result in weak, thin or chalky enamel that can wear away soon, making them appear transparent. In some instances, the enamel may not develop at all, leaving the dentin exposed and your teeth transparent.
Coeliac Disease
While coeliac disease is often considered to affect your gastrointestinal tract, it can also affect your enamel – or the development of your enamel (to be specific). It can lead to transparent teeth and other oral problems like dry mouth and recurrent ulcers.
Acid Erosion
The ideal environment for your mouth is a slightly alkaline environment, with a pH range between 6.2 and 7.6, because acid can lead to enamel erosion. Therefore, pH levels below 5.5 are considered harmful as they can cause your teeth to erode. To keep the pH range in your mouth in ideal condition, we recommend avoiding consuming highly acidic food and drinks frequently.
Acid Reflux
Ever get a burning feeling in your chest after meals? That could be acid reflux. Acid reflux can bring stomach acids into your mouth, eroding your enamel over time. These stomach acids have a pH between 1 and 3, which is much lower than the normal pH range in your mouth, making it very strong and bad for your teeth.
Frequent Vomiting
Frequent vomiting due to medical conditions, chronic conditions like bulimia or pregnancy-related morning sickness can make your teeth appear transparent over time because of repeated exposure of teeth to stomach acids mentioned above.
Dry Mouth
Saliva in your mouth plays a key role in helping wash away acid and plaque from your teeth. If you have a dry mouth condition, your mouth lacks adequate saliva to wash away the acid. Therefore, bacteria can stick to your teeth and lead to enamel erosion, causing transparent teeth.
Brushing Too Hard
While maintaining good oral hygiene is essential, over brushing or aggressive brushing (especially with hard bristles) can cause your enamel to wear down over time, leading to translucency,
How Can You Treat Transparent Teeth?
The hard truth about enamel erosion is that it can be difficult to restore the tooth enamel once it’s lost. That’s why early detection and treatment are important because they can help prevent enamel erosion.
Here are some treatment options that can protect, strengthen and improve the appearance of your teeth while preventing enamel erosion.
- Dental Bonding: Our dentist will apply a tooth-coloured resin to the affected area. This helps cover up any imperfections while also forming a protective layer over your teeth.
- Dental Veneers: They are thin, protective shells placed over the front surface of your teeth to cover up your transparent teeth. It can also fix problems like chipped, cracked or discoloured teeth.
- Fluoride Treatments: This treatment can help strengthen the enamel, preventing or slowing down enamel erosion.
- Dental Crowns: If you are facing severe enamel erosion, we may recommend placing a crown over the affected tooth. Think of it like a protective cap that will protect the tooth and also restore its appearance.
- Regular Check-Ups: Schedule regular check-ups every 6 months or as instructed to catch transparent teeth early on and treat them.
In addition to these, there are certain steps you can take at home to prevent transparent teeth.
- Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once daily.
- Be mindful of your dietary choices and avoid acidic foods and beverages like citrus fruits and soda.
- If you are drinking acidic beverages, make sure to use a straw to minimise contact with your teeth.
- Rinse your mouth after consuming acidic foods or beverages to help neutralise the acids.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, keep your mouth’s pH balanced and wash away harmful acids.
If you are concerned about transparent teeth, it’s best to speak to our dental professionals. We can identify the root cause behind it and recommend appropriate treatment. So, don’t put it off – book an appointment today to protect your smile!
