Pick up an issue of National Geographic and you’re likely to see multiple
examples of erosion within its pages. Across our vast planet, wind and water
erode the Earth’s surface, creating sometimes mind boggling examples of the
power of physical and chemical erosion.
But did you know that the teeth in our mouth also experience erosion? This month on the blog we’re taking a closer look at what erodes teeth and how to slow (even prevent) this process over time.
Basics of Tooth Erosion
The hard, outside layer of the teeth is called enamel. When properly cared for,
enamel lends teeth their white color and protects the sensitive inside layers of
tooth structure, including nerves and the blood supply. But when teeth are
repeatedly exposed to acid, the enamel can wear away. This process is
called dental erosion.
Some of the most common causes of acid exposure in the mouth, and
resulting dental erosion, are:
- acidic foods or drinks
- acid reflux (or gastroesophageal reflux disease [GERD])
- repeated vomiting
Let’s take a closer look at each of these common sources of acid exposure.
Am I at Risk for Dental Erosion?
So we covered that erosion occurs when teeth are repeatedly exposed to acid, and we learned that this can happen from the foods and drinks we take in or from stomach acid that enters the mouth as a result of acid reflux or vomiting.
Foods and drinks
One of the reasons that acidic drinks seem to cause the most damage is that they are liquid, and can therefore make contact with all of the surfaces of the teeth. The amount of time that the acidic drink is in contact with the teeth also matters, the biggest offender being liquids like soda or sports drinks that are often sipped over a long period. Snacks are also something to watch out for, especially sour candies and certain chewing gums because they are sticky, so they stay onyour teeth for a long time.
Acid reflux
Sometimes also referred to as ‘GERD’ or ‘heartburn,’ this digestive problem often causes burning in your stomach or throat, but keep in mind that acid also comes up through the throat. Acid originating from the GI tract in this way can therefore be a sneaky cause of dental erosion.
Vomiting
Frequent vomiting, whether because of an eating disorder, pregnancy, or because of other systemic issues such as active chemotherapy treatment, can be a direct cause of dental erosion as the teeth are being repeatedly bathed in acid from the stomach.
How will I know if I have dental erosion?
Dr. Messina or Rachel may be the first to recognize that you have dental erosion, which they can see during your routine dental visit. The wearing away of enamel often starts with changes in the chewing surfaces of your back teeth or the inside surface of your front teeth. In more advanced cases of dental erosion, you may even notice that your teeth look more yellow than they used to, or you may notice a shortening or change in shape of your front teeth as wear progresses.
How can I protect my teeth?
Visiting the dentist regularly can help identify the risk factors discussed so far, and our team can help you take steps to limit the source of acid in the oral cavity. Some ways to limit acid are:
- Limit snacking. Eating and drinking as part of a meal stimulates saliva production, and saliva reduces acid!
- Drink water instead of acidic drinks. If you’re drinking something acidic, you can help yourself by drinking from a straw, which may allow some of the acid to bypass the tooth structure.
- Chew sugarless chewing gum. This can stimulate saliva production in your mouth.
- Rinse your mouth thoroughly with water. This is especially important after an acidic beverage or if you struggle with acid reflux or frequent vomiting.
- Try adding milk and yogurt to your diet. Both strengthen enamel, making the teeth less sensitive to acid attack.
- Wait 30 minutes before brushing your teeth if your mouth has been exposed to acid. Closer to the time of acid exposure, the enamel is more soft, and toothbrushing may increase the erosion on the tooth’s surface.
The Final Word on Erosion
Exposing your teeth to acid through your diet, acid reflux, or vomiting can erode and
permanently damage the enamel that protects the tooth. To make changes to your mouth’s acid exposure, come visit us and ask Dr. Messina or Rachel about ways to protect your teeth. Our team has years of experience partnering with our patients to help them improve their oral and overall health, and it is our pleasure to be of service.
We write a blog post every month to keep our patients and our community updated on important dental topics, so be sure to check back here often! And don't forget: we love your questions! We welcome discussion of these blog topics or anything you're curious about. Our patient family is the best part of our practice, and we are grateful for you!