Teeth Erosion
Teeth erosion is the gradual loss of tooth enamel caused by repeated exposure to acids. Learn how to identify the causes of dental erosion, slow its progression, and restore damaged teeth when necessary.
What is teeth erosion?
Teeth erosion is the progressive and irreversible loss of tooth structure caused by prolonged exposure to acids. Over time, acids can dissolve the minerals that make up tooth enamel, gradually weakening and thinning the tooth surface. Once enamel is lost, it cannot naturally regenerate.
Without treatment, teeth erosion can affect the appearance, function, and health of your teeth while increasing sensitivity and the risk of further damage.
What causes teeth erosion?
As more people retain their natural teeth later in life and consume acidic foods and beverages more frequently, teeth erosion has become an increasingly common oral health concern. Many factors can contribute to dental erosion.
Dietary acids
Frequent consumption of acidic foods and beverages can significantly increase the risk of enamel loss. Common examples include: Citrus fruits and juices, carbonated soft drinks, sports and energy drinks, herbal teas, vinegar-based foods, pickled foods, sour candies.
Medications
Certain medications and supplements may contribute to erosion, including: chewable vitamin C tablets, aspirin, iron tonics, some saliva substitutes.
Gastric acid
Overt vomiting or regurgitation of gastric fluids into the mouth. Stomach acids are highly erosive and can damage teeth when repeatedly exposed to the oral cavity.
Psychological conditions
Psychological problems such as alcoholism, bulimia and anorexia nervosa may increase the risk of teeth erosion
Medical conditions
Certain conditions may increase the risk of dental erosion, including peptic ulcer and morning sickness during pregnancy.
Sports
Swimming in improperly chlorinated commercial pools can occasionally contribute to dental erosion.
What are the signs and symptoms of teeth erosion?
Dental erosion often develops gradually, making early detection important.
Concerned About teeth erosion?
If you’re experiencing tooth sensitivity, enamel wear, or changes in the appearance of your teeth, early treatment can help protect your smile and prevent further damage. Book an appointment today so we can help.
How can I treat teeth erosion?
Diagnosing this condition and initiating treatment can be quite challenging to the dental professional. While preventive and restorative treatments have been successful, with significant erosive loss of tooth structure extensive dental treatment may be necessary.
Preventive care
For early-stage erosion, treatment may focus on preventing further damage through dietary modifications, behaviour changes, improved oral hygiene, and increased saliva production.
Fluoride treatments
Professional fluoride treatment varnishes, gels, and rinses can help strengthen enamel and reduce sensitivity.
Dental bonding
Tooth-coloured dental bonding materials can protect weakened areas and improve aesthetics.
Dental fillings
When erosion causes structural defects, dental fillings may help restore damaged areas.
Dental crowns
For severe enamel loss, dental crowns may be recommended to protect and restore heavily damaged teeth.
Effective tips for preventing teeth erosion
Here are simple habits that protect your enamel, preventing teeth erosion.
Use a straw
Drink acidic beverages through a straw to minimize contact with teeth.
Avoid swishing acidic drinks
Holding acidic drinks in your mouth increases enamel exposure.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush
Brush gently to avoid additional enamel wear.
Chew sugar-free gum
Stimulates saliva flow, which naturally protects teeth.
Stay hydrated
Water helps rinse acids away and supports saliva production.
Book a teeth erosion consultation today
Whether you’re experiencing sensitivity, enamel wear, or visible changes in your teeth, our team can help develop a treatment plan to protect your oral health and restore your confidence.
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Common questions about teeth erosion
We’re here to help. Browse the most common questions below, or reach out to our team directly.
Teeth erosion is the gradual loss of tooth enamel caused by exposure to acids from foods, beverages, medical conditions, or environmental factors.
Treatment may include fluoride therapy, dental bonding, fillings, crowns, dietary changes, and preventive care depending on the severity.
Lost enamel cannot naturally regenerate. However, early treatment can help stop progression and protect remaining tooth structure.
Common causes include soft drinks, sports drinks, citrus fruits, fruit juices, vinegar-based foods, and sour candies.
Yes. Stomach acid associated with acid reflux or GERD can significantly contribute to enamel erosion.
Yes. As enamel wears away, the underlying dentin becomes exposed, often causing increased tooth sensitivity.
Limiting acidic foods and drinks, staying hydrated, chewing sugar-free gum, using fluoride products, and attending regular dental checkups can help protect your enamel.
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