Posted on: 03 September, 2024
Tooth enamel can wear down when exposed to acids in food and drink and other sources
3 minute read
Tooth enamel is the toughest material in the body, but it wears down over time. Teeth that are frequently exposed to acid wear down at a faster rate. This can make them sensitive, discoloured and more easily damaged.
Lost tooth enamel doesn’t grow back because it lacks living cells, so while you cannot reverse it, you can stop tooth erosion by making changes to your diet and other daily habits, and talking to your dentist for advice or treatments. To speak to a dentist in East Vic Park, contact our friendly team at EVP Dental today.
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Tooth erosion is the visible wear and loss of tooth structure caused by direct exposure to acids. These can be from acidic food and drink, stomach acid and other sources, such as medication. This can cause teeth to wear down more rapidly, depending on your diet, oral care habits and other factors.
Erosion first affects the enamel, the hard, outermost layer of the tooth. If this wears down, it exposes the dentin layer beneath, which is softer, more sensitive and yellow in colour. Acid attacks also weaken the enamel, which may be damaged more easily by rough tooth brushing or teeth grinding before the acid is neutralised.
Signs of tooth erosion can include:
If tooth erosion isn’t treated, teeth can continue to wear down, exposing more of the vulnerable dentin layer underneath and increasing the risk of damage to the inner tooth.
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Tooth decay occurs as a result of acids produced by bacteria in plaque, rather than from direct acid exposure. Unlike tooth erosion which happens on the surface, these acids are released beneath the tooth surface, weakening the structure and leading to cavities. Weakened or demineralised enamel often appears as small white spots, which are the first signs that the tooth is susceptible to decay. While tooth erosion is irreversible, demineralised enamel can be remineralised and strengthened through saliva production and fluoride treatments.
Teeth can be exposed to acids by external or internal causes. Knowing what’s causing your teeth to erode is the first step to preventing it from getting worse.
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The most common cause of acid wear to teeth is from food and drink that has a high acid content. This includes:
The longer and more frequently your teeth are in contact with acids, the more they can wear down. Eating sugary and starchy foods can also contribute to damage by feeding bacteria that cause tooth decay.
If you’re concerned about tooth erosion, contact our dentists today.
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Teeth can also be eroded by stomach acids that travel up to the mouth due to vomiting or gastric reflux. This may happen frequently during pregnancy or as a result of conditions such as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) or bulimia nervosa.
While acid wear from food normally affects the outer and chewing surfaces of teeth, stomach acids generally erode the inner surfaces.
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Acids can remain on the teeth for longer if the mouth doesn’t produce enough saliva to cleanse and neutralise them. This can happen if you have dry mouth (xerostomia), a condition affecting salivary gland production.
Many things can cause dry mouth, including dehydration from not drinking enough water or consuming too much caffeine. Dry mouth is also a side effect of many medications and can sometimes be a sign of medical conditions such as diabetes. If you have a persistently dry mouth, your dentist will aim to identify and address the cause.
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Medications and supplements with high acidity, such as antihistamines, aspirin and chewable vitamin C tablets, can also contribute to tooth erosion. Some genetic disorders that affect enamel development can also make teeth more prone to erosion, such as amelogenesis imperfecta and enamel hypoplasia.
Not all causes of tooth erosion can be controlled, but you can consider these steps to limit contact of acids with your teeth and to improve their resilience.
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Avoiding or cutting down on acidic foods and drinks can reduce acid exposure. You could also limit exposure by:
Swapping acidic drinks for plain water will reduce acid exposure and also has other benefits. Drinking plenty of water helps to prevent dehydration, which can lower the risk of dry mouth. Water also helps saliva to cleanse the mouth by rinsing acids and sugars off teeth surfaces.
Most tap water in Australia has fluoride added at safe levels, which also helps to protect teeth from decay and wear.
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Saliva helps to neutralise acids on teeth surfaces, but you can help it by rinsing your mouth after acid exposure with water, milk or a fluoride mouth rinse (being sure not to swallow). Dairy products like milk and cheese also help to neutralise acids, while chewing sugar-free gum helps to stimulate saliva flow.
Brushing your teeth twice a day using fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily helps to prevent plaque build up and to remove leftover food from your teeth surfaces. Make sure you wait at least an hour after eating before brushing your teeth and use a soft-bristled toothbrush head to avoid tooth wear.
Your doctor may be able to help if an underlying medical condition or medication is causing tooth erosion. It’s also important to see your dentist for regular check-ups that can spot the signs of worn enamel at an early stage and preventive oral hygiene treatments that can lower your risk of tooth erosion.
If tooth wear is caused by grinding teeth or clenching your jaw, your dentist can discuss preventive treatments such as a bruxism night guard.
If your teeth already show signs of erosion, your dentist can discuss treatment options. These will depend on how severe the damage is, but may involve:
If you’re worried about tooth erosion, wear or other damage, our dentists at EVP Dental can help. Call us on (08) 9470 3944 or make an appointment online so we can discuss ways to protect and restore your teeth today.
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