Translucent Teeth 101: Causes, Treatment and Prevention

Happy faces and healthy smiles are what every parent wants for their child.

It’s simply because good oral health is crucial for their overall well-being. But sometimes, despite trying hard, certain dental problems become inevitable.

Translucent teeth are one among these! It’s simply being able to see through your teeth as light passes through them. However, the problem is more than their teeth changing color and becoming translucent.

This tooth change is actually a sign of enamel erosion. A tooth enamel is the outermost covering that protects the tooth’s inner surface from outside damage.

So, in the absence of tooth enamel, the inner teeth structure gets exposed, which causes harm to overall health.

If you see your child’s teeth color change, make sure to contact a good dentist immediately. You can consult the best pediatric dental specialists at Palm Valley Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics.

Now, let’s talk about translucent teeth, what causes them, and what the solution to the problem is.

What is Translucent Teeth?

A transparent or translucent tooth refers to a tooth that can allow light to pass through it. However, this isn’t the change in teeth color but a confirmation that your tooth enamel is wearing off. 

Translucent teeth are a cause of concern as damage to enamel can be harmful and make it challenging to perform regular oral activities. The problem not only affects the children but adults as well. 

Sometimes, it’s not the whole teeth but the teeth edges that become translucent. The damage done to the teeth is irreversible, but diagnosing the condition in time can help protect the surrounding teeth from this damage.

Signs

The following are most obvious indicators of developing translucent teeth:

• Tooth Color Changes – If you are observing that your tooth color is changing even on the edges and you are able to see through it, then it indicates the problem.
• Sensitive Teeth – Teeth that lose its enamel and become prone to damage also become sensitive. So, feeling hot and cold might indicate the problem. 
• Canker Sores – Another indicator of the problem can be recurrent canker sores in the mouth because of the acid accumulation in the mouth. 

Suggested Read: 10 Differences Between Good and Bad Teeth: Causes and Impact

Causes

Now, let’s talk about what causes translucent teeth. Well, many things damage tooth enamel, leading to translucent teeth.

Some of the potential causes of the problem are:

1- Bad Food Choices 

Our diet is crucial for good oral health. On the other hand, making bad choices can negatively impact our oral health. 

People who consume acidic foods on a daily basis are prone to developing these problems. From carbonated drinks to beverages, candies, and citrus fruits, all these foods can harm your teeth. 

2- GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)

Another reason why people suffer from damaged enamel is GERD. GERD is a digestive condition in which stomach acid travels back to your oral cavity. 

If you are suffering from an acidic stomach, then leaving it untreated can cause GERD  in the future. When these stomach acids move back to the esophagus, they cause damage to the tooth enamel, disturbing its normal function. 

3- Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is a digestive disorder that occurs because of an immune reaction against gluten. Celiac disease, alongside other symptoms, comes with dental complications.

One of these problems is poor enamel formation.  People who have celiac disease have high-risk of developing transparent teeth.

4- Enamel Hypoplasia

Sometimes, enamel wearing is a result of another condition known as enamel hypoplasia. The condition is caused because of the problem with the formation of enamel.

According to the research, the prevalence of enamel hypoplasia is 12.8% in children aged between 8-12. The condition is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, and translucent teeth can result from enamel hypoplasia. 

5- Vomiting

This is another reason why people suffer from this problem and end up with teeth discoloration. Frequent vomiting is an important cause behind transparent teeth.

If a patient is suffering from vomiting because of pregnancy, alcohol consumption, or some eating disorder, they will lose the color of their teeth.

6- Dry Mouth 

People who have less saliva production also suffer from translucent teeth problems. A number of factors can cause dry mouth, such as side effects from medicine, low water intake, salivary issues, chronic conditions, aging, etc. 

Treatment options

Now, let’s discuss the treatment options to prevent further damage.

The following treatment options work well for translucent teeth:

1- Bonding

One of the best treatment options against the translucent teeth is the bonding. Teeth bonding is the application of dental resin on the surface of the damaged tooth. 

The resin hardens with time and creates a protective layer around the tooth to prevent damage. However, this treatment option works best for mildly transparent teeth. 

2- Dental Veneers

Another treatment option for discolored teeth is dental veneers. Dental veneers are the protective covering around your teeth.

Not only do these veneers protect the damaged concerns, but they also improve the appearance of your teeth. For this reason, this is one of the best treatments for mild to moderate discolored teeth. 

Read: A Comprehensive Guide to Teeth Preparation for Veneers

3- Crowns

In the end, the crowns are the treatment option for teeth with severe enamel loss that become see-through. A dental crown is a tooth cap that is placed over the damaged tooth to protect it. 

Read: The Benefits of a White Porcelain Dental Crown for Children

Prevent Enamel Loss and Get Your Perfect Smile Now

Translucent or transparent teeth are a common dental problem that can take a toll on oral well-being. The enamel erosion causes the condition because of poor lifestyle choices, medications, and other chronic conditions. 

However, the good part is that you can prevent this discoloration by following the right oral care practices described below:

Use a straw if possible to consume sugary/ acidic drinks.

Also, as soon as you experience warning signs, make sure to visit your dentist.