Dental erosion is a growing concern among many people. It is the irreversible loss of tooth tissue due to exposure to acid, which can have a significant impact on the health of your teeth. Understanding what causes dental erosion and how to prevent it can help you protect your smile and maintain good oral health.
What are the sources of acid erosion?
- Intrinsic Acid Exposure: This type of acid exposure comes from within your body, such as gastric reflux or recurrent vomiting. People who experience these conditions are more at risk of dental erosion.
- Extrinsic Acid Exposure: This type of acid exposure comes from outside your body, and can be found in many of our most popular everyday drinks and foods. This includes drinks such as fruit juice, wine, carbonated drinks, and sports drinks, as well as foods such as citrus fruit. Certain medications, such as Vitamin C, aspirin, and some iron preparations, can also contribute to extrinsic acid exposure.
Avoid Brushing After Eating Acidic Foods and Drink
One common habit that can contribute to dental erosion is brushing your teeth immediately after eating or drinking acidic foods or drinks. However, this may not be the best habit for protecting your teeth. To help control dental erosion, it is recommended that you avoid brushing for at least 30 minutes after eating or drinking acidic foods or drinks.
Dry Mouth and Dental Erosion
Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, can increase the risk of dental erosion. Saliva is the mouth’s own cleaning system and helps neutralise acid in the mouth and protects against tooth decay, so a lack of saliva can leave teeth vulnerable to acid attack. Saliva also dilutes and washes away food particles and acids. If you suffer from dry mouth, be sure to drink plenty of water and talk to your dentist about products that can help stimulate saliva production.
Are You at Risk for Dental Erosion?
There are several factors that can increase your risk of dental erosion, including:
- Consuming large amounts of acidic foods and drinks
- Having a medical condition that causes frequent vomiting
- Having low salivary flow, dry mouth or using certain medications that can contribute to dry mouth
- Brushing your teeth immediately after eating or drinking acidic foods and drinks
- High intake of drinks containing caffeine
- Being dehydrated due to an active lifestyle
How to Control Dental Erosion
There are several ways to control dental erosion and protect your teeth, including:
- Limiting your consumption of acidic foods and drinks
- Drinking plenty of water to help neutralise acid in the mouth
- Chewing sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva production
- Waiting at least 30 minutes after eating or drinking acidic foods and drinks before brushing your teeth
- Using toothpaste and mouthwash that are specifically designed to protect against acid attack
- Talking to your dentist about dental products, such as fluoride, that can help strengthen your teeth and protect against erosion
What is the best toothpaste to use?
The correct toothpaste to use for dental erosion depends on the individual’s specific needs and dental health. The Australian Dental Association recommends using toothpaste that contains fluoride, as fluoride helps to strengthen tooth enamel and protect against acid attack. Additionally, toothpastes specifically designed to protect against acid erosion may be recommended.
It is important to speak with your dentist to determine the best toothpaste for your individual needs and to ensure that it is compatible with any other dental treatments or products you may be using. Your dentist can also provide guidance on how to use toothpaste effectively to protect against dental erosion and maintain good oral health.
Some FAQS about Dental Erosion
- What is dental erosion?
- Dental erosion is the gradual and irreversible loss of tooth enamel due to exposure to acid.
- What causes dental erosion?
- Dental erosion can be caused by both intrinsic (from within the body) and extrinsic (from outside the body) sources of acid exposure, including acid from foods and drinks, gastric reflux, vomiting, dry mouth, and certain medications.
- Can dental erosion be reversed?
- No, dental erosion is an irreversible process. Once tooth enamel has been eroded, it cannot be regenerated.
- What are the symptoms of dental erosion?
- The symptoms of dental erosion can include sensitive teeth, yellow or transparent appearance of the teeth, and visible pits or scratches on the surface of the teeth.
- How can I prevent dental erosion?
- To prevent dental erosion, it is important to limit your consumption of acidic foods and drinks, drink plenty of water, chew sugar-free gum, wait at least 30 minutes after eating or drinking acidic foods or drinks before brushing your teeth, use a toothpaste and mouthwash specifically designed to protect against acid attack, and speak with your dentist about dental products, such as fluoride or a special type of dental varnish, that can help strengthen your teeth and protect against erosion.
- What should I do if I have dental erosion?
- If you have dental erosion, it is important to seek dental treatment as soon as possible. Your dentist may recommend treatments such as bonding, crowns, or veneers to restore the appearance and function of your teeth.
- Does brushing my teeth immediately after eating or drinking acidic foods or drinks cause dental erosion?
- Yes, brushing your teeth immediately after eating or drinking acidic foods or drinks can contribute to dental erosion. It is recommended to wait at least 30 minutes after eating or drinking acidic foods or drinks before brushing your teeth.
- Can dry mouth increase the risk of dental erosion?
- Yes, dry mouth, or xerostomia, can increase the risk of dental erosion. Saliva helps neutralize acid in the mouth and protects against tooth decay, so a lack of saliva can leave teeth vulnerable to acid attack.
- Is dental erosion more common in certain age groups or populations?
- Dental erosion can affect people of all ages, but it is more common in older adults and people who consume large amounts of acidic foods and drinks.
Dental erosion is a growing concern that can have a significant impact on your oral health. By understanding the risk factors, and taking steps to control erosion, you can protect your smile and maintain good oral health for years to come.
If you have any questions or concerns about dental erosion, be sure to speak with your dentist for more information and personalised advice.
Talk to us