Dental Erosion: Causes, Signs and How to Protect Your Teeth
Dental erosion can make teeth more sensitive, yellow, chipped or worn. This common form of tooth wear happens when acids repeatedly soften and dissolve the tooth surface, gradually causing permanent damage.
What is dental erosion?
Dental erosion, also called erosive tooth wear, occurs when acids repeatedly soften and dissolve the outer surface of the teeth. Unlike tooth decay, which involves acids produced by bacteria, dental erosion is caused by acids coming directly from foods, drinks or the stomach.
Saliva helps wash away and neutralise acids after an exposure. It also supports the natural remineralisation of the remaining tooth surface. However, frequent or prolonged acid exposure can eventually cause permanent enamel loss. Enamel cannot grow back once it has been lost, so recognising the early signs and preventing further damage is important.
What causes dental erosion?
Dental erosion can be caused by dietary acids, health conditions and other contributing factors.
Acidic foods and drinks
Frequent consumption of acidic foods and drinks is a common cause of dental erosion. Examples include:
- Soft drinks, sports drinks and energy drinks, including many sugar-free varieties
- Fruit juices and citrus fruits
- Flavoured or acidic sparkling waters
- Vinegar-based foods and dressings
- Wine and some other alcoholic drinks
How often and how long the teeth are exposed to acid both matter. Sipping an acidic drink or frequently snacking on acidic foods throughout the day increases the time the teeth remain exposed.
Stomach acid and health-related causes
Stomach acid can contribute to dental erosion when it repeatedly reaches the mouth. This may occur with:
- Acid reflux or gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD)
- Frequent vomiting
- Medical conditions associated with vomiting, including some eating disorders
Dry mouth can also increase the risk because reduced saliva makes it harder for the mouth to neutralise acid. Dehydration, some medical conditions and certain medicines may contribute to dry mouth. Speak with your dentist or doctor if you experience persistent dry mouth, reflux or vomiting.
Brushing and other mechanical wear
Once acid has softened a tooth surface, friction can contribute to further wear. Factors may include:
- Brushing immediately after acidic foods, drinks or vomiting
- Using excessive brushing pressure
- Using a hard-bristled toothbrush
- Using highly abrasive whitening or charcoal toothpastes
Signs of dental erosion
Dental erosion often develops gradually and may not be obvious until a noticeable amount of enamel has been lost. Possible signs include:
- Sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet foods and drinks
- Teeth appearing more yellow as the underlying dentine becomes more visible
- Smooth, shiny or rounded tooth surfaces
- Small indentations on the biting surfaces, particularly on back teeth
- Chipping, cracking or shortening of the teeth
- Fillings appearing raised as the surrounding tooth structure wears away
These changes can have more than one cause, so a dental examination is needed for an accurate assessment.
How can you reduce your risk?
- Limit acidic foods and drinks. Choose plain water, preferably fluoridated tap water, whenever possible.
- Keep acidic drinks with meals. Avoid sipping them over long periods or repeatedly throughout the day.
- Rinse with water after acid exposure. After vomiting, rinse with water or milk instead of brushing straight away.
- Wait at least 60 minutes before brushing after acidic foods, drinks, reflux or vomiting. This gives saliva time to help neutralise the acid.
- Brush gently twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Consider a straw for acidic drinks. Position it towards the back of the mouth and avoid swishing the drink around the teeth.
- Chew sugar-free gum after meals or acid exposure if it is suitable for you. This can stimulate saliva flow.
- Attend regular dental examinations. Early changes are often easier to manage before extensive tooth structure is lost.
Why early assessment matters
Dental erosion can be difficult to recognise yourself. During a preventive dental examination, we can look for signs of tooth wear, discuss possible causes and provide advice tailored to your needs.
Management depends on the cause and severity. It may involve preventive advice, fluoride or remineralising products, monitoring, management of sensitivity, or restorative treatment when appropriate. If reflux, vomiting or another health condition may be contributing, we may also recommend speaking with your medical practitioner.
Frequently asked questions about dental erosion
Can dental erosion be reversed?
Lost enamel cannot grow back. Early changes may sometimes be managed by reducing acid exposure and strengthening the remaining tooth surface. More advanced wear may require restorative treatment.
Is dental erosion the same as tooth decay?
No. Tooth decay involves acids produced by bacteria, while dental erosion is caused by acids from foods, drinks or the stomach. A person can experience both conditions at the same time.
What toothpaste is best for dental erosion?
A fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush are generally recommended. Your dentist may suggest a higher-fluoride or sensitivity product depending on your individual needs.
When should I see a dentist?
Arrange an assessment if you notice ongoing sensitivity, yellowing, chipping, shortening or changes in the shape of your teeth. Early assessment can help identify the cause and limit further damage.
Concerned about dental erosion?
If you have noticed increased sensitivity, yellowing, chipping or changes in the shape of your teeth, contact Panania Dental Surgery for an assessment and personalised advice.
Panania Dental Surgery
151 Tower Street, Panania NSW 2213
Call (02) 9773 9132
This article provides general information and is not a substitute for individual dental or medical advice.
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Concerned about tooth wear or sensitivity?
Our Panania team can discuss your concerns and help arrange an appointment. Send your enquiry and we will contact you during opening hours to arrange and confirm your appointment.
