Tooth Erosion: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment for a Healthy Smile

Tooth erosion, also known as enamel erosion, is the irreversible loss of tooth enamel commonly caused by acids. Causes of tooth erosion can include frequent consumption of acidic foods and beverages, exposure of teeth to stomach acid from medical conditions such as acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and frequent vomiting. Other causes, like bruxism (teeth grinding), dry mouth, and poor oral hygiene, can exacerbate enamel erosion. Erosion of tooth enamel​ can lead to tooth sensitivity, severe pain, cavities, tooth damage, and other severe complications if left untreated. Great Lakes Family Dental provides comfortable and effective treatments for enamel erosion so that you can enjoy your smile for a lifetime.

What is Tooth Erosion?

You may have heard of materials eroding due to chemical or mechanical reactions. Does this make you question, then, ‘what is tooth erosion?’ Acid erosion not only impacts objects but can also impact teeth, which is commonly referred to as enamel erosion. Acids from external sources, such as foods, beverages, and even your stomach, contain harsh chemical properties that can cause gradual tooth enamel loss from erosion. Teeth can also erode from constant pressure. Tooth erosion and tooth decay/cavities are similar conditions in that they can both break down the outer tooth enamel layer. However, tooth decay is commonly caused by bacterial acids from dental plaque, which is created as a byproduct when oral bacteria mix with sugars and starches consumed. Enamel erosion tends to thin the entire tooth surface over time, whereas tooth decay usually begins in a specific location and forms holes (cavities) where dental plaque has accumulated. Tooth erosion can lead to several potential long-term oral health effects, including pain and sensitivity, tooth discoloration, increased risk of decay and damage, and changes in tooth shape.

Causes of Tooth Erosion

There are several potential causes of tooth erosion. Dietary and lifestyle choices play a significant role in the prevalence of enamel erosion. Understanding these common causes can help you prevent irreversible tooth enamel loss from enamel erosion and the need for costly and invasive treatments:

• Acidic Foods and Drinks: Common acidic foods and drinks like sodas, carbonated drinks, energy drinks, coffee, fruit juices, citrus fruits (i.e., lemons, limes, grapefruits, oranges), wine, alcohol, vinegar and pickled foods, tomatoes, and sour candies can cause enamel loss and should be limited or avoided. If consuming acidic foods or beverages, it is recommended to wait an hour before brushing your teeth to avoid damaging your enamel, which is temporarily in a softened state. Using a straw can also help limit direct acid contact to your teeth when drinking acidic beverages.
• Acid Reflux: Acid reflux and tooth erosion are well-known and are common in individuals with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Stomach acids are highly acidic and can travel upward into the esophagus and mouth during episodes of acid reflux or vomiting. Frequent exposure of stomach acids to teeth can lead to enamel erosion, commonly noticeable on the back surfaces of teeth. If you experience any acid reflux, it is important to contact your healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
• Bruxism (Teeth Grinding): Excessive teeth grinding or clenching places increased pressure on teeth, which can mechanically wear down enamel over time. This can lead to tooth sensitivity, jaw pain, and increased risk of tooth decay and damage. If you grind or clench your teeth, speak to your dental professional about a custom-fit mouth guard to protect your tooth enamel.
• Dry Mouth: Dry mouth and enamel loss are linked, as insufficient saliva promotes tooth decay, bacteria accumulation, gum disease, bad breath, oral infection, mouth sores, and several other health consequences. Saliva acts as an important buffer to acids, helping neutralize oral pH and promote tooth enamel remineralization.
• Poor Oral Hygiene: Inadequate brushing and flossing habits lead to bacterial plaque buildup and erosion. Acids produced by bacteria within dental plaque break down tooth enamel and cause decay, cavities, infection, and several negative long-term effects if not properly managed.

Signs and Symptoms of Tooth Erosion

Tooth enamel erosion symptoms and signs may become easier to notice as they progress. It is important to identify ​symptoms of tooth erosion early and seek professional help immediately to prevent irreversible enamel loss. Here’s what you need to watch out for:

• Increased Sensitivity: You may experience increased tooth sensitivity, especially when exposed to hot, cold, or sweet foods or beverages. Tooth erosion wears down tooth enamel, leading to exposure of the underlying dentin layer. Dentin contains tiny tubules that connect to the tooth's nerves, which can trigger pain or discomfort when stimulated.
• Discoloration: Enamel erosion commonly causes the appearance of yellow teeth as the dentin layer becomes exposed. Dentin is naturally yellow in color, which becomes visible when enamel becomes thinner and more transparent. Dentin is also more porous than enamel, which enables the absorption of stains from foods, beverages, and habits like smoking more easily, causing further discoloration.
• Rough or Shiny Teeth: Eroded enamel may make teeth feel rough due to mineral loss. The surfaces of teeth may also become irregular and no longer smooth as enamel thins. Teeth may appear shiny due to the exposure of dentin, which is naturally yellower in color and reflects light differently than enamel.
• Chipped or Cracked Teeth: chipped teeth from erosion can occur as enamel becomes weaker. Teeth may begin to lose their original shape and develop dents or cracked edges.

How Tooth Erosion Affects Your Oral Health?

The oral health impact of erosion is serious, as tooth enamel loss is irreversible. Tooth erosion consequences can affect tooth function and appearance. Tooth enamel erosion​ can cause functional issues like difficulty chewing, speech issues, and bite misalignment as the teeth become worn over time. The cosmetic impact of tooth erosion often includes tooth discoloration, yellowing, smooth or see-through appearance, shortened or rounded tooth shape, and apparent cracks, dents, or chips in teeth. If untreated, serious long-term effects of tooth erosion can occur, such as tooth decay, cavities, loss of tooth structure, increased sensitivity, gum issues, and other oral health complications.

Preventing Tooth Erosion

To prevent tooth erosion, there are many simple lifestyle habits and changes that you can implement. Try these hacks for tooth erosion prevention:

• Limit Acidic Foods and Drinks: Limit consumption of items that are acidic, vinegar-based, carbonated, citrusy, or sour, including sodas, energy drinks, fruit juices, certain fruits (i.e., pineapples, oranges, grapefruits, lemons), coffee, wine, alcohol, tomatoes, and sauerkraut. Reducing acidic foods and beverages from your diet can help you limit external acid exposure to your teeth. If consuming acidic items, it is best to do so with meals to help neutralize their effects.
• Use a Straw: To promote tooth enamel protection from acids, use a straw when consuming acidic liquids. This can help reduce the contact between acidic drinks and your teeth.
• Good Oral Hygiene: Maintaining excellent oral hygiene for erosion prevention is crucial. Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss at least once a day, and use a mouth rinse to keep your teeth healthy and strong against harm from acids.
• Rinse with Water: When consuming acidic foods or drinks, rinse with water afterwards to help neutralize acids. Be sure to stay hydrated with water throughout the day.
• Avoid Brushing Immediately After Eating Acidic Foods: The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends waiting at least an hour before brushing after consuming acidic foods, due to the weakened state of enamel immediately after consumption. This allows time for your saliva to wash away and neutralize acids naturally.

Treatment Options for Tooth Erosion

Tooth erosion treatment​ can be provided by your dental professional after a comprehensive examination is performed to accurately diagnose and identify the cause of tooth erosion. Treatment for tooth erosion commonly involves the following options:

• Fluoride Treatments: Fluoride treatments for enamel help add important minerals (i.e., calcium and phosphate) back into tooth enamel to improve strength and reduce tooth sensitivity. Professional fluoride is often applied as a topical gel, foam, or varnish.
• Dental Bonding: Your dentist may recommend dental bonding for erosion to restore the function and appearance of teeth impacted by acid attacks. It involves the placement of a tooth-colored resin on the surfaces of teeth to cover and protect eroded tooth surfaces.
• Veneers or Crowns: In more severe cases, veneers and crowns for tooth erosion can be used to restore structurally damaged teeth. These restorations are custom-made to fit over teeth for improved strength, function, and appearance.
• Dental Sealants: Often used for prevention, dental sealants are thin coatings of dental material placed on the chewing surfaces and grooves of the back teeth to protect them from harm from acids, bacterial plaque, and food debris. Dental sealants can be beneficial for both children and adults.

How Long Does It Take to Reverse Tooth Erosion?

Sadly, once tooth enamel is lost, it cannot be regrown, making reversing tooth erosion not possible. However, enamel treatment and preventative measures can be taken to halt the progression of erosion and help you avoid more serious damage to your enamel. For instance, using fluoride for tooth erosion can prevent further harm from acids, promote enamel remineralization, and strengthen teeth over a few months after professional application. Early intervention prevents the effects of erosion from advancing and significantly lowers your risk of needing more invasive treatments like crowns or veneers.

The Role of Diet in Tooth Erosion

Diet and tooth erosion go hand-in-hand. There are several foods to avoid for tooth erosion to help protect your teeth from irreversible damage. Implementing healthy habits and a consistent diet with protective foods for teeth is essential for preventing tooth erosion.

• Acidic Foods to Avoid:
  • Sodas and carbonated drinks
  • Sports and energy drinks
  • Fruit juices (i.e, orange, lemon, lime, grapefruit, and apple)
  • Wine and alcoholic beverages
  • Kombucha and vinegar-based drinks
  • Coffee and tea
  • Citrus fruits (i.e, lemons, limes, oranges, pineapples, and grapefruits)
  • Pickles and vinegar-based foods (i.e, pickled vegetables, salad dressings, sauerkraut)
  • Tomatoes and tomato sauce
  • Dried fruits (i.e, raisins, apricots, prunes)
  • Sour candies
  • Starchy foods (i.e, breads, crackers, chips, cakes)
• Protective Foods: Discuss foods that help protect the teeth, such as dairy products, crunchy vegetables, and water.
  • Dairy Products (i.e, cheese, milk, yogurt)
  • Crunchy vegetables and fruits (i.e, carrots, celery, apples, cucumbers)
  • Leafy greens (i.e, spinach, kale)
  • Nuts and Seeds: (i.e, almonds, walnuts, and sesame seeds)
  • Fatty fish and lean proteins (i.e, salmon, tuna, eggs, chicken)
• Drinking Water: Staying hydrated with water helps neutralize acids and prevent tooth erosion. Other key benefits of drinking water for oral health include fighting bad breath, preventing tooth stains, promoting healthy saliva production, and naturally rinsing away food debris, dental plaque, and harmful bacteria.

Can Tooth Erosion Be Reversed?

Now that you’ve heard the damage tooth erosion can cause, you may be wondering, ‘Can tooth erosion be reversed?’ Tooth enamel loss from erosion is irreversible, as tooth enamel cannot regenerate. Fortunately, your dental professional can provide tooth erosion management and enamel restoration treatments to protect your teeth from further damage. Managing tooth erosion often involves professional treatments, including fluoride varnish and dental restorations (e.g., dental bonding, veneers, or crowns), to stop the progression of tooth erosion and strengthen existing tooth enamel.

What to Expect During Treatment for Tooth Erosion at Great Lakes Family Dental?

Tooth erosion treatment at Great Lakes Family Dental is one-of-a-kind. Our award-winning expert dental professionals provide the top professional dental care for erosion using the latest technology in a welcoming environment. During your initial consultation, our dental specialists will identify the cause of tooth erosion and explain the best treatment process for erosion that is safe, comfortable, effective, and tailored to your unique dental needs. Call Great Lakes Family Dental today to schedule a consultation at one of our many convenient locations for exceptional dental care that you can trust.