What is it?
Erosion is the chemical dissolution of the enamel surface by acid. It differs from decay in this: in decay the acid is produced by bacteria and the loss is localised; in erosion the acid comes from outside and the loss spreads across broad surfaces.
Early on the tooth loses its shine and becomes translucent. As it advances the incisal edges thin, cupped hollows form on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth and the yellow dentine beneath starts to show.
Signs
You will not necessarily have all of these at once.
Why does it happen?
- 01
Acidic drinks
Fizzy drinks, fruit juice and energy drinks. What matters is frequency rather than amount; sipping through the day keeps the mouth constantly acidic.
- 02
Reflux
When stomach acid reaches the mouth, erosion starts on the inner surfaces of the teeth, often without the person noticing.
- 03
Frequent vomiting
Eating disorders and vomiting in pregnancy can cause marked erosion.
- 04
Brushing straight after acid
Acid softens the enamel; brushing immediately removes the softened layer mechanically and speeds the loss.
How is it treated?
The first step is finding the source. If it is dietary, the frequency of acidic intake is reduced; if reflux is suspected, a gastroenterology assessment is requested. A restoration placed while the source continues will simply be worn by the same acid.
Where the loss is limited, fluoride application and desensitising treatment may suffice. With marked loss of structure, composite or porcelain restorations restore the height and the form.
- Wear advancing quickly over months
- Loss starting on the inner surfaces of the teeth
- Sensitivity that increases and becomes constant
How is it prevented?
- Have acidic drinks with a meal rather than sipping them through the day
- Wait 30 minutes to brush after something acidic, and rinse with water in the meantime
- Drinking through a straw reduces contact between the acid and the tooth surfaces
- Use fluoride toothpaste, and higher-fluoride products where indicated
Frequently asked questions
- Is erosion the same as decay?
- No. In decay the acid is produced by bacteria and the loss is localised. In erosion the acid comes from outside and flattens broad surfaces.
- Does lost enamel come back?
- No. In the early stage a softened surface can remineralise, but thickness that has been lost is not replaced; a restoration is needed.
This content is for general information and does not replace an in-person examination. Symptoms overlap between conditions, and a diagnosis can only be made clinically.