Dental erosion

Dental erosion is the loss of the surface of your teeth due to acids you eat or drink, or acids coming up from your stomach. These acids can wash away the hard substance that makes up your teeth, leading to tooth surface loss. Acid can also soften the tooth surface, making it easier for it to be worn away by abrasion or.

This is known as acid wear or erosive tooth wear. The stomach contains many strong acids that are used to digest food. Vomiting and reflux can cause these stomach acids to enter your mouth. Stomach acids are very strong and can cause substantial damage to the teeth.

For example, people with (which can sometimes occur without you knowing) may experience this problem. Many things that we eat and drink are acidic. One of the reasons for this is that acidic things taste nice.

Common foods and drinks that contain high levels of acid include:

• Food acids are often added to processed foods drinks. If you check the ingredient list of foods drinks
• you can see if food acids have been added. The ingredients are listed in order of their amount in the food
• with the most being listed first

The closer any food acids are to the start of the list, the more acid the product will have in it. In particular, watch out for food acids 330 (citric acid), 331 (sodium citrate), and 338 (phosphoric acid) which are especially bad for teeth.

For further information speak to your dental professional

One sign of dental erosion is the loss of the surface of the tooth, leading to a smooth, shiny appearance.

When there is advanced dental erosion, the enamel may wear away to reveal the underlying dentine; these areas look yellow on the tooth surface (see photo). These areas and any exposed tooth root surfaces can become sensitive to hot, cold and sweet foods and drinks due to dental erosion.

Fillings may start to become more prominent if the surrounding tooth surface is dissolving away due to erosion. Dental erosion, if untreated, can lead to the progressive loss of the surface of the tooth. The loss of tooth structure can require complex and lengthy When the signs of dental erosion are detected, it is very important to determine the cause and modify it.

Dental erosion can be prevented by limiting contact of acids with the teeth.

Some tips include: rather than drinking fruit juice

Eat fruit at meal times rather than between meals. Avoid adding lemon, lime or citrus to water.

Reduce how often you eat or drink anything acidic and don’t leave it sitting in your mouth for too long.

Seek medical treatment for management of reflux or vomiting

Do not chew vitamin C tablets.

If necessary, take vitamin C supplements that are swallowed whole.

Use sugar-free chewing gum after meals to promote saliva flow.

Saliva is very important for protecting your teeth from erosion

Consider using dental products containing ‘stannous fluoride’ [tin (II) fluoride].

Recent studies suggest stannous fluoride is effective in reducing tooth erosion. Following exposure to strong acids, you can help to neutralise the acid by: rinsing your mouth with a sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) mouth rinse (one teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water) consuming dairy products, such as unsweetened milk and cheese.

Tips to minimise tooth wear include: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush with toothpaste containing fluoride.

Brush your teeth gently, but thoroughly. Make sure you have neutralised any acid (described above) before brushing your teeth. if you grind your teeth at night.

Saliva is a powerful natural defence against erosion

Saliva can wash acids out of your mouth into the stomach, it can neutralise acid, and it can repair the early stages of erosion.

However, it cannot grow back the lost tooth surface. A reduced flow of saliva (dry mouth) can increase your risk of dental erosion.

Stay well hydrated, as this improves your saliva. Remember that dehydration can reduce the amount of saliva you make, so drink lots of fluoridated tap water. , you may be at increased risk of dental erosion.

Talk to your dental professional to identify the cause. Causes of reduced saliva (or dry mouth) may include:

• Medications – some can affect your salivary glands
• reduce the amount of saliva that they can make
• leading to a dry mouth. Dehydration – working in a dry environment
• not rehydrating often enough can lead to a decrease in saliva production

Also, excessive intake of found in coffee, tea, chocolate and cola drinks can reduce fluid levels in the body and reduce saliva.

If your teeth have had dental erosion, the lost surface of the tooth may need to be replaced with fillings or crowns. It is important to visit your dental professional every six to twelve months so that they can identify dental erosion early, determine the cause, and then work with you to prevent further dental erosion and tooth wear.

Stomach acids can cause dental erosion bulimia , morning sickness or reflux Diet can cause dental erosion soft drinks (including sugar-free) energy drinks sports drinks citrus fruits (lemons, limes, oranges) kombucha lemon-flavoured drinks or teas fruit-flavoured lollies fruit juices cordials vitamin waters vitamin C tablets vinegar alcoholic drinks Symptoms of dental erosion Photo: Dr Nathan Cochrane Complications of dental erosion dental treatment involving fillings , veneers, crowns and potentially root canal treatment Preventing dental erosion Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet Drink fluoridated tap water rather than soft drink or juice Eat fruit rinsing your mouth with water or a fluoride mouth rinse Wear a custom-made dental splint Saliva can help reduce dental erosion If you have a constant dry mouth Causes of reduced saliva caffeine Some specific diseases or conditions can affect the saliva glands, such as Sjogren’s syndrome Treatment for dental erosion Where to get help Your dentist American Dental Association ’ Find a Dentist (616) 555-0200 Dental Health Services Michigan provides public dental services through the Grand Rapids Dental Care (616) 555-0200 or 1800 833 039 (outside Grand Rapids metro).

Key Points

• Vomiting and reflux can cause these stomach acids to enter your mouth
• Stomach acids are very strong and can cause substantial damage to the teeth
• Dental erosion can be prevented by limiting contact of acids with the teeth
• Seek medical treatment for management of reflux or vomiting
• Saliva is very important for protecting your teeth from erosion