Is there something Medically wrong that would cause Teeth Enamel to chip?

[mckinley]

I have always had a problem with my enamel chipping away from my teeth. So much so that i have always had fillings, and some type of coating put on my them through out the years. Now that i am getting older it is getting much worse. The last time i went to my dentist he told me the only way to fix them is root canals for the back & veneers for the front. In which that is going to cost at least $15,000 if not more. Now we do have Dental insurance it only covers $1000 a year though. I was going to just have a couple teeth done at a time when i was able to save some money for them, but with veneers they have to all be done at same time. So i have been searching and hoping to find some sort of medical reason why they would be chipping to get our medical to cover them. Anyone know of any reasons that would cause this? Or a way to get my medical to help pay for the cost?

 

[aka-mad4themouse]

Moving to the Community Board.

 

[mckinley]

Sorry didn't know were to post

 

[The Mystery Machine]

What about diabetes?

What should I know about diet and tooth decay?

Your teeth are covered with plaque, a sticky film of bacteria. After you have a meal, snack or beverage that contains sugars or starches, the bacteria release acids derived from dietary sugars that attack tooth enamel. Repeated attacks can cause the enamel to break down and may eventually result in cavities.
When diabetes is not controlled properly, high glucose levels in saliva may help bacteria thrive. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning once a day between your teeth with floss or an interdental cleaner helps remove decay-causing plaque.
Plaque that is not removed can eventually harden (calcify) into calculus, or tartar. When tartar collects above the gumline, it becomes more difficult to thoroughly brush and clean between teeth. This can create conditions that lead to chronic inflammation and infection in the mouth

http://www.ada.org/public/topics/diabetes_faq.asp#2

 

[rie'smom]

I have always had a problem with my enamel chipping away from my teeth. So much so that i have always had fillings, and some type of coating put on my them through out the years. Now that i am getting older it is getting much worse. The last time i went to my dentist he told me the only way to fix them is root canals for the back & veneers for the front. In which that is going to cost at least $15,000 if not more. Now we do have Dental insurance it only covers $1000 a year though. I was going to just have a couple teeth done at a time when i was able to save some money for them, but with veneers they have to all be done at same time. So i have been searching and hoping to find some sort of medical reason why they would be chipping to get our medical to cover them. Anyone know of any reasons that would cause this? Or a way to get my medical to help pay for the cost?

Ask your dentist. Explain that this is the only way that you can afford it. They will probably try to work with you.

 

[momof1princess]

could you be calcium deficient? i ask because my mom had gastric bypass surgery over 10 years ago and was not educated in taking the proper vitamins afterward. she knows what to take now, but it is too late, because her teeth are practically crumbling.

 

[OceanAnnie]

Is the enamel chipping off or eroding? I'm wondering if maybe the foods you tend to eat might be high in acidity. In the past, I've read articles where high acidity can erode enamel.

I would probably visit another dentist and not mention the problem. See what another dentist says about your condition. If it is diagnosed by another dentist, I'd ask what causes it and if there is a way to arrest it. And ask what your options are. It doesn't hurt to get a second opinion.

Good luck. It sounds like an ordeal. I hope you can get to the bottom of it soon. Keep us posted!