What is dental erosion?
Dental erosion is the loss of the enamel and dentine layers of the teeth due to acids being consumed through food or drink or by acids coming up internally from your stomach. The acid dissolves enamel making the tooth surface soft and shiny. Acid erosion in combination with grinding or clenching can wear away the tooth surface even faster and cause issues with sensitivity and biting down in the correct position. Advanced dental erosion can lead to the exposure of underlying dentine causing the tooth to have yellow depressions on the biting surfaces.
What are the causes of dental erosion?
Common foods and drinks which contain high levels of acid include:
· Soft drinks (including sugar free)
· Sports & energy drinks
· Citrus fruits (lemons, limes, oranges)
· Fruit juices & cordials
· Vitamin C tablets & Vitamin waters
· Vinegar
· Wine
· Pre-mixed alcoholic drinks
The stomach contains acids which digest and break down the tooth surface, vomiting and reflux can cause these acids to enter and pool in the mouth, especially whilst asleep. Morning sickness and bulimia are also common causes of dental erosion.
How to treat dental erosion?
If untreated, dental erosion can lead to extensive loss of tooth surface. This means having complex treatment involving fillings, veneers, crowns and even root canal treatment. Avoiding or cutting out the things which cause dental erosion is the best treatment!
How to prevent dental erosion?
Limiting acids which are consumed can lead to a decrease in the amount of contact the teeth have to high acid containing foods and drinks. Further methods include:
· Eating a balanced diet
· Drinking water – instead of juice and soft drinks
· Using a straw when consuming any type of acidic drink
· Seek advice from a GP for reflux/ vomiting
· Swallowing vitamin tablets whole without chewing
· Increasing saliva flow by chewing gum or using a saliva substitute
· Use of a soft bristle brush to avoid aggressive brushing
· Avoid abrasive toothpastes (whitening pastes)
· Wear a splint if there is an additional habit of grinding/ clenching at night
It is very important that dental erosion is treated or addressed immediately as consistent damage to the teeth can lead to extensive dental treatment in the future. For further information or to have your teeth assessed, contact us at Concord Dental Practice today.
