Hey everyone. I'm new to the board and was wondering if anyone knew anything about a problem I'm currently experiencing. Lately I've noticed that the outer edges of my teeth have started to become more and more transparent. I can't really explain it other than that it's almost as if I can see through the edges of my teeth ever so slightly. I'm just wondering if anyone else has experienced this or if this is even normal, and if there's any way to reverse it. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Are you grinding your teeth? Which teeth look transparent?

I don't really know if I'm grinding my teeth or not to be honest. And it's my front 2 top teeth and the front few lower teeth as well. Would grinding cause this sort of condition?

yes. See your dentist and if it is due to grinding, he could make you an occlusal guard.

Thanks Trishka. Good to know. Do you happen to know if it is grinding, then is the condition reversible? I realize that the guard would help prevent the grinding, but would the clearness in my teeth subside and reverse itself, or would that be a totally different procedure?

So I'm pretty sure it's not from grinding my teeth. Any other ideas as to what it may be? After a lot of research on the web I do believe that the transparency comes from the erosion of the enamel on my teeth. I'm thinking it may have something to do with drinking too many soft drinks, but I'm not sure. Has anyone else experienced this?

you know i cant be sure but i had a friend that i noticed that symptom in and he drank soft drinks like 24-7...i would cut back on them. However I am not sure how this works as soft drinks "Stain" teeth ive read, not wear them away (so long as you brush)

I have the same problem with my teeth. I never gave much thought to it I thought it was normal. My dentist has never said anything about it. Maybe it has to do with Calcuim? Try taking Vitamin D and Calcuim suppliments and see if that helps.

I have noticed the exact same thing with my top two front teeth. It's not super noticeable unless I really study it in the mirror. Sometimes when they look transparent along the edges, I can touch my tongue to the back of the tooth & it's like it temporarily goes away. I have no idea what causes it, but I am relatively sure I don't grind my teeth at night or anything. It could be age or something. Have you ever had the edges of your teeth filed? Perhaps that could have thinned them out.

i don't know whats causing it but i'm pretty sure why teeth are transparent at the edges. the outer layer of your teeth is enamel and is very transparent naturally due to the high mineral content. then just below that is a layer of dentine which has a lesser mineral content than enamel as it has organic elements in it, making it creamier than enamel. so what you can see is the junction between enamel and dentine underneath. as for why its becoming more apparent, i really don't know. i have this problem on one of my front teeth because of trauma, the dentine has moved away from the edge of my tooth inside,in response to the trauma. i know also that this can happen with age over many many years too. if you're worried, as always, see your dentist!