Dental erosion

What it is

Dental erosion is the loss of tooth surface caused by acid. Unlike decay, the acid doesn’t come from bacteria: it comes from food and drink, or from the stomach. Acid softens the enamel surface, and brushing, chewing and grinding then wear the softened layer away. Over months and years, the teeth get thinner, shorter and more sensitive.

Common causes

• Soft drinks, including diet and sugar-free versions
• Sports drinks, energy drinks and kombucha
• Fruit juice, citrus fruit, and lemon or apple cider vinegar in water
• Wine, and flavoured sparkling water
• Sipping acidic drinks slowly over a long period, or holding them in the mouth
• Reflux (GORD), including “silent” reflux with no heartburn
• Frequent vomiting from any cause, including morning sickness
• Dry mouth, often from medications, which leaves less saliva to neutralise acid
• Brushing straight after acidic food or drink, while the enamel is softened

Signs to look for

• Smooth, glassy or slightly cupped areas on the teeth
• Teeth looking more yellow as the darker dentine underneath shows through
• Thin, see-through or chipped biting edges on the front teeth
• Sensitivity to cold, hot or sweet food
• Fillings that seem to stand up above the surrounding tooth

Long-term risks

• Permanent loss of enamel, and then of the softer dentine underneath, which wears away faster
• Ongoing sensitivity and discomfort
• Teeth becoming shorter and thinner, and more likely to chip or crack
• Changes to how your smile looks and how your teeth bite together
• In advanced cases, the nerve can be affected, which may need root canal treatment
• Larger, more complex and more costly treatment to rebuild teeth, with less enamel left to bond to

Protecting your teeth day to day

• Keep acidic drinks to mealtimes, and have them chilled and through a straw
• Finish with water, milk or a piece of cheese; don’t swish acidic drinks around your mouth
• Wait at least 30 minutes, ideally an hour, after acid before brushing
• Use a soft toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste that isn’t abrasive
• Chew sugar-free gum after meals to boost saliva
• If you have reflux or frequent vomiting, see your GP, as managing the cause protects your teeth

Common treatment options

• Finding the cause first: a food and drink diary, and a check for reflux or dry mouth
• High-fluoride toothpaste or Tooth Mousse Plus to strengthen the surface and reduce sensitivity
• Photographs and scans to measure wear over time, so we can see whether it has stopped
• Composite bonding to cover exposed dentine and rebuild worn edges, usually with little or no drilling
• Ceramic onlays, veneers or crowns when a lot of tooth structure has been lost
• A night guard if grinding is adding to the wear

Please note

This is general information only. Erosion is different for everyone, so the right approach depends on an examination. If you’re worried about wear or sensitivity, book a check-up and we’ll look at it together.