Oral health – information about oral health
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Tooth enamel damage
Do you want to check the status of tooth enamel damage? You can check the condition of your mouth and teeth at a dental check-up, during which you will get an assessment of your oral and dental health from a dentist.
Specialist in the article
Vastaava hammaslääkäri
Revised 8/29/2023
Facts about tooth enamel damage
- Tooth enamel damage can be caused, for example, by acid attacks, tooth grinding, and excessive toothbrush use. Sometimes the cause may be enamel damage developed in early childhood, for example, as a result of an infection.
- Symptoms of enamel damage include tooth sensitivity and staining.
- Enamel damage can be treated, for example, with fillings, laminates, and tooth crowns.
Related services
Dental check-up
Assessment of oral and dental health and recommendations for further treatment.
Dental fear
Non-urgent consultation with a dentist specialized in treating patients with dental anxiety.
Ceramic fillings
Modern and aesthetic ways to repair damaged teeth.
Dental fillings
Filling a tooth involves removing decayed tooth tissue and replacing it with a filling material.
Occlusal splints or mouth guards
Help the teeth muscles relax and protect teeth and dental structures.
What causes tooth enamel damage?
In tooth enamel damage, the outer surface layer of the tooth, the enamel, is damaged and the dentin tissue of the tooth is exposed beneath the enamel. Enamel damage is an individual symptom, but common symptoms include tooth sensitivity, tooth discolouration and tooth decay.
Tooth enamel damage is caused by tooth wear or problems with biting. Sometimes the cause may be enamel damage developed in early childhood, for example, as a result of an infection.
Common causes of tooth wear are erosion and abrasion. In erosion, tooth enamel dissolves as acids soften and dissolve the tooth surface.
Typically, tooth erosion is caused by:
- acidic drinks, such as sodas, energy drinks, and acidic juices
- also, excessive vomiting and reflux can cause erosion damage to the teeth due to stomach acids.
Abrasion refers to wear on the necks of the teeth caused by too strong brushing of the teeth. In abrasion, the teeth are worn to the pits from the lip and cheek sides of the gumlines.
Enamel damage can also be caused by problems in occlusion, in which case it is called attrition. In attrition, the teeth wear away from the tips or even to the pits throughout. If it continues for a long time, the attrition lowers the teeth and affects the bite.
Tooth enamel damage treatment
Enamel damage is treated with dental fillings or ceramic fillings. If necessary, a mouth guard can be made to protect the teeth. The choice of treatment depends on the cause of the enamel damage, but good dental hygiene and care is important in the treatment of all enamel damage.
Tooth enamel damage is treated by fillings, if the enamel damage is extensive, the tooth is really sensitive and difficult to keep clean. When the tooth is filled, dental wear is stopped and the dentin tissue of the tooth that causes the sensitivity is covered.
If enamel damage is caused by biting and grinding, the damage is treated with a mouth guard that is used during night-time. A mouth guard relaxes the bite muscles and facilitates the function of the jaw joints.
Prevention of tooth enamel damage
With good dental hygiene and care, some of the tooth enamel damage can be prevented. If your enamel damage is caused by biting, it's a good idea to learn to recognise situations where you often bite your teeth together.
Erosion can be prevented by regular meal times and moderate consumption of acidic foods. In addition, after consuming acidic foods, it is a good idea to take a break of about 15 minutes before brushing your teeth. This gives the bacteria in the saliva time to neutralise acids, and the toothbrush does not rub acids against the teeth.
Brushing damage can be prevented by choosing a soft toothbrush. As a toothpaste, you should choose a paste that contains fluoride, which strengthens tooth enamel. If enamel damage is associated with tooth sensitivity, you should use toothpaste specifically for sensitive teeth.
As of March 15, 2023, the polyclinic fee does not have to be paid after more than five reception visits during the calendar year. After the fifth payment, the polyclinic fee is €0 for visits for the rest of the calendar year.
If you visit our clinic and do not pay for your appointment using the available payment methods, we will send you an invoice for your appointment. The invoicing fee is EUR 5.20.
If the procedure is booked with a specialist dentist, the prices are increased by 30%.
Check out Hammas Mehiläinen's flexible payment methods
Take into account in the price list
The price estimate not include the outpatient clinic fee (€33,90). No Kanta fee is charged for visits to the dentist. The outpatient clinic fee for a dental hygienist visit €19.30. If the procedure is with a specialist dentist,prices will be increased 30%| Service | Price estimate |
|---|---|
| Dental check-up | 54,00 € Without Kela reimbursement 84,00 € |
| Dental check-up for patients with dental fear | 91,00 € Without Kela reimbursement 121,00 € |
| Children and young people dental check-up Prices include the clinic fee (€33.90). Book a dental check-up for children and young people Prices 207,75–239,75 €, without Kela reimbursement 227,90–259,90 € | 207,75 € Without Kela reimbursement 227,90 € |
| Dental X-ray of the teeth and jaws | Mobile Benefit 98,00 € The price with a doctor's referral after Kela compensation is €86. 109,00 € Without Kela reimbursement 118,00 € |
| Tartar removal 30–45 minute appointment with a dental hygienist. Book an appointment for tartar removal Explore different payment methods Prices 130,00–183,00 €, without Kela reimbursement 138,00–195,00 € | from 130,00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 138,00 € |
| Tooth jewellery application The price does not include the price of tooth jewellery. | from 68,00 € No Kela reimbursement |
| Dental fillings 1–3 surfaces. Prices 94,00–262,00 €, without Kela reimbursement 104,00–285,00 € | from 94,00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 104,00 € |
| Ceramic filling of the tooth 1–3 surfaces. Explore different payment methods Prices 279,00–561,00 €, without Kela reimbursement 279,00–618,00 € | from 279,00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 279,00 € |
| Dental ceramic crown Laboratory costs are not included in the price estimate. Explore different payment methods Prices 616,00–798,00 € | from 616,00 € No Kela reimbursement |
| Chipped tooth Prices 94,00–262,00 €, without Kela reimbursement 104,00–285,00 € | from 94,00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 104,00 € |
| Tooth extraction Explore different payment methods Prices 109,00–732,00 €, without Kela reimbursement 119,00–794,00 € | from 109,00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 119,00 € |
| Tooth whitening Price estimate given at the free consultation appointment. Book an appointment for a free whitening consultation Prices 101,00–455,00 € | from 101,00 € No Kela reimbursement |
| Whitening consultation appointment Includes an individual price estimate for teeth whitening. Book an appointment for a whitening consultation. | Free No Kela reimbursement |
| Anaesthesia Prices 38,00–39,00 €, without Kela reimbursement 41,00–42,00 € | from 38,00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 41,00 € |
| Irrevocable absence Prices 74,00–96,00 € | 74,00 € No Kela reimbursement |
| Initial assessment of sleep apnea Learn more about sleep apnea and book an appointment (in Finnish) | from 57,00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 84,00 € |
| Bite guard Includes clinical work and the bite guard. Prices 638,00–685,00 €, without Kela reimbursement 695,00–742,00 € | 638,00 € Without Kela reimbursement 695,00 € |
Related symptoms
Dental staining
Can be caused by a number of factors, such as cavities, enamel development disorders or foods.
Bruxism or teeth grinding
Tooth damage, sore bite muscles or headaches.
Temporomandibular disorder (TMD)
Pain and dysfunction of the jaw joints and masticatory muscles.
Sensitivity
Pricking and sudden pain, often caused by cold, hot or touching the tooth.
Other related services
A dental implant replaces
Specialist dentist consultation and planning of further treatment.
Ceramic CEREC filling
More durable than conventional filling materials and a more aesthetic result.
Ceramic fillings
Modern and aesthetic ways to repair damaged teeth.
Clear aligner treatment with Invisalign aligners
Dentist consultation visit and selection of the Invisalign treatment method.
Cosmetic dental care
Can be used to alter the appearance of teeth and fix functional issues.
Dental X-ray
An important part of oral health care and an effective way to reveal oral diseases that the eye cannot detect.
Dental check-up
Assessment of oral and dental health and recommendations for further treatment.
Dental check-up for children and young people
Specialist dental check-up visit for children and adolescents.
Dental cone beam imaging
Provides highly accurate three-dimensional information on dental and jaw structures.
Dental fear
Non-urgent consultation with a dentist specialized in treating patients with dental anxiety.
Dental fillings
Filling a tooth involves removing decayed tooth tissue and replacing it with a filling material.
Dental hygienist
Provides individual advice for tending to your oral health.
Dental laminates or veneers
Can be used to correct colour defects, straighten individual teeth on the dental arch without orthodontic treatment.
Dental specialists
Are dentists who are specialised in one of the disciplines of dentistry. Specialist dentist consultation.
Dental staining removal
Dental staining removal by a dental hygienist, including soda cleaning.
Dental treatment under general anaesthesia
The most common reason for performing dental treatment under general anaesthesia is dental fear.
Dentist
Performs oral health examinations and treats oral diseases and other problems.
Dentures or false teeth
Assessment and planning of further treatment by a specialist in prosthodontics.
Emergency dental care
Emergency visit for sudden toothache, accident or other acute symptoms.
Laser teeth whitening
A gel is applied to the surface of the teeth and the effect is enhanced by light.
Massage of masticatory muscles
The massage of masticatory muscles alleviates pain in the head and jaw area.
Occlusal splints or mouth guards
Help the teeth muscles relax and protect teeth and dental structures.
Oral surgery
The examination and surgical treatment of the masticatory system and related tissues, diseases, and injuries.
Orthodontic treatment
Specialist dentist consultation to assess the need for orthodontic treatment.
Root canal treatment
The dentist treats an infected pulp of a tooth.
Tartar removal
Removal of tartar performed by a dental hygienist, including soda cleaning.
Teeth whitening
The safest and best teeth whitening is performed by a dental hygienist or dentist.
Tooth extraction
Sometimes, a tooth is in such bad condition that it cannot be saved.
Tooth jewellery application
A dental hygienist applies tooth jewellery safely and durably.
White Spot treatment
Fading or removal of tooth discolorations.
Whitening consultation (free)
The purpose of the consultation is to identify a possible need for treatment.
Wisdom tooth extraction
Wisdom teeth usually cause problems because there is not enough space for them to erupt.
Frequently asked questions
The enamel damage is visible on the tooth surface as darkening, wear or cracking. Exposed dentin tissue caused by enamel damage can also cause tooth discolouration and sensitivity.
Tooth enamel damage is usually caused by tooth wear or problems with biting, but it can also be caused, for example, by acidic foods and drinks or if you grind your teeth.
Enamel damage can be treated by different methods, such as with fillings, laminates, and tooth crowns. The choice of treatment depends on the extent and location of the damage.
Good dental hygiene and care, such as regular tooth brushing and flossing, helps to prevent enamel damage. In addition, avoiding acidic foods and drinks and treating grinding teeth are important preventive measures.
