Have you ever noticed your teeth looking a bit different, perhaps a little more see-through or sensitive? You might be dealing with something called dental erosion. It’s not a cavity, but it can be just as damaging to your smile.
In this blog post, we’re going to break down what dental erosion is, what causes it, and most importantly, what you can do about it.
What Is Dental Erosion?
Imagine the surface of your teeth as a hard, protective shield. This shield is called enamel. It’s the strongest substance in your body, and its job is to protect the softer, more sensitive part of your tooth underneath.
Dental erosion happens when this protective enamel starts to wear away. But unlike wear from grinding your teeth (which is called attrition), erosion is caused by acids. These acids basically dissolve the enamel, making your teeth weaker and more vulnerable. It’s a slow process, but over time, it can cause some serious problems. Think of it like a superhero’s shield slowly being eaten away by a powerful acid. Not great, right?
Top Causes of Dental Erosion
So, where do these sneaky acids come from? There are a few key culprits, and they generally fall into two categories: things that come from outside your body (extrinsic) and things that come from inside your body (intrinsic).
Extrinsic Causes (Coming from Outside Your Body)
This is the most common category, and it’s all about what you eat and drink.
- Acidic Foods and Drinks: This is the big one. Many of the things we love to consume are surprisingly acidic.
- Soft Drinks and Sports Drinks: These are public enemy number one. They are loaded with sugar and different types of acids (like phosphoric acid and citric acid) that are incredibly effective at dissolving enamel. Even “diet” or “sugar-free” versions are still highly acidic.
- Fruit Juices: While they seem healthy, juices like orange, apple, and grape juice are very acidic. The natural sugars and acids can do a number on your teeth, especially if you sip on them all day.
- Citrus Fruits: Lemons, oranges, grapefruits, and limes are great for you, but their high acid content can be a problem. Sucking on a lemon wedge or drinking lemon water frequently can be particularly harmful.
- Wine: Both red and white wines are acidic. White wine is often more acidic than red, but both can contribute to erosion.
- Vinegar and Pickles: Vinegar is, by its very nature, an acid. Foods with high vinegar content, like pickles and some salad dressings, can also contribute to enamel erosion.
- Improper Brushing: It might sound strange, but brushing your teeth immediately after consuming something acidic can actually make things worse. When your enamel is softened by acid, it’s more vulnerable. Brushing too hard or too soon can essentially scrub away the softened enamel. It’s best to wait at least 30-60 minutes to let your saliva naturally neutralise the acids and reharden your enamel.
Intrinsic Causes (Coming from Inside Your Body)
These causes are a bit different and relate to your own health.
- Acid Reflux (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GORD): This is a condition where stomach acid flows back up into your oesophagus and sometimes into your mouth. Stomach acid is incredibly strong and highly destructive to tooth enamel. People with severe or frequent acid reflux can have significant dental erosion.
- Vomiting: Frequent vomiting, from conditions like bulimia nervosa or morning sickness during pregnancy, exposes the teeth to stomach acid. This is one of the most severe causes of dental erosion.
- Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Saliva is your mouth’s natural defence system. It helps to wash away food particles and, most importantly, neutralise acids. If you have a dry mouth (perhaps from certain medications or health conditions), you lose this protective shield, making your teeth more susceptible to erosion.
How Dental Erosion Affects Your Teeth
So, what happens when your enamel wears away? Here’s a rundown of the common symptoms:
- Sensitivity: This is often the first sign. As the protective enamel thins, the dentin underneath (the part of the tooth with tiny tubes leading to the nerve) becomes exposed. This can cause sharp, short pains when you eat or drink hot, cold, or sweet things.
- Discolouration: The dentin underneath your enamel is a yellowish colour. As the enamel wears away, more of this yellowish dentin shows through, making your teeth look darker.
- Rounded Edges: The edges of your teeth can start to look more rounded or see-through, especially on the front teeth.
- Cracks and Chips: Since the enamel is a protective layer, its loss can make your teeth weaker and more prone to chipping and cracking.
- “Cupping” or Indentations: Sometimes, you might see small, smooth, bowl-like indentations on the chewing surfaces of your teeth.
Preventing and Managing Dental Erosion
The good news is that you can take steps to prevent and manage dental erosion. It’s all about making small changes to your habits.
- Limit Acidic Foods and Drinks: The best way to prevent erosion is to reduce your exposure to acids.
- Drink water instead of soft drinks, sports drinks, or fruit juices.
- If you do have an acidic drink, use a straw to minimise contact with your teeth.
- Don’t hold or swish acidic drinks in your mouth. Drink them quickly.
- Rinse your mouth with water after consuming acidic foods or drinks.
- Change Your Brushing Habits:
- As mentioned earlier, wait at least 30-60 minutes after having something acidic before you brush.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Use a fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride helps to strengthen enamel and make it more resistant to acid attacks.
- Chew Sugar-Free Gum: Chewing sugar-free gum stimulates saliva production, which is your body’s natural way of neutralising acids and washing away food particles.
- See a Dentist: Regular check-ups are crucial. A dentist can spot the early signs of dental erosion and give you tailored advice. If you’re looking for a great dentist Launceston, we can help you understand the specific state of your oral health and provide a plan of action. We might recommend specific treatments like fluoride varnish, bonding, or crowns to protect your teeth.
- Address Underlying Health Issues: If you suspect your erosion is caused by acid reflux or another health condition, talk to your doctor. Managing the underlying problem will also help protect your teeth.
Conclusion
Dental erosion is a serious issue that can compromise the health and appearance of your smile. By understanding what causes tooth erosion—from the acidic drinks we love to the health conditions we need to manage—we can take proactive steps to protect our teeth. Small changes to our diet and daily habits can make a huge difference.
Remember, your teeth are a long-term investment. Taking care of your enamel now will save you a lot of trouble down the road. If you’re concerned about the state of your teeth, don’t hesitate to book an appointment with a trusted professional.
Launceston Dentistry can provide the guidance and care you need to keep your smile bright and healthy for years to come.
FAQs
Q: Can a dentist reverse dental erosion?
A: A dentist can’t ‘regrow’ your enamel, but they can use treatments like fluoride applications, bonding, or crowns to protect what’s left and repair the damage.
Q: Is dental erosion the same as a cavity?
A: No. A cavity is caused by bacteria producing acid that eats away at the tooth. Dental erosion is caused by acids from external or internal sources that directly dissolve the enamel.
Q: Are all sports drinks bad for my teeth?
A: Most sports drinks are highly acidic and can contribute to dental erosion. It’s best to limit their consumption to when you’re doing intense exercise and to rinse your mouth with water afterwards.
Q: How do I know if I have dental erosion?
A: Common signs include increased tooth sensitivity, discolouration, and teeth that appear more rounded or worn down. The best way to know for sure is to get a check-up with the dentist.
