Dental erosion is the gradual loss of tooth enamel caused by repeated exposure to acids. Unlike tooth decay, which is primarily caused by bacteria and plaque, erosion happens when acidic foods, drinks or stomach acid soften and wear away the surface of the teeth.
Because enamel does not grow back once it has been lost, recognising the early signs of dental erosion and taking steps to reduce further damage is important.
At Kew Road Dental, we regularly assess patients for tooth wear and can help identify the causes of enamel loss before it becomes more advanced.
What is dental erosion?
Tooth enamel is the hard outer layer that protects your teeth. Although it is extremely strong, repeated exposure to acid can gradually soften and wear it away.
Acid can come from several sources. Common dietary causes include:
- Fizzy drinks
- Fruit juices
- Sports and energy drinks
- Citrus fruits and juices
- Wine and other acidic drinks
- Vinegar-based foods
- Frequent consumption of acidic snacks and drinks
Dental erosion can also occur when stomach acid repeatedly comes into contact with the teeth, for example with acid reflux or frequent vomiting.
The more frequently your teeth are exposed to acid, the greater the opportunity for enamel to be affected.
What are the signs of dental erosion?
Dental erosion can develop gradually, and many people do not notice it until the changes become more obvious.
Possible signs include:
Increased tooth sensitivity
As enamel becomes thinner, the underlying dentine can become more exposed. This may cause sensitivity to hot, cold, sweet or acidic foods and drinks.
Teeth looking more yellow
Enamel is naturally translucent. As it becomes thinner, the slightly darker or more yellow dentine underneath can become increasingly visible.
Smooth or rounded tooth surfaces
Erosion can change the natural shape of the teeth. Edges may become thinner, smoother or more rounded.
Small cracks or chips
Teeth affected by significant erosion can become more vulnerable to wear and damage.
Shortening of the teeth
Advanced tooth wear can gradually alter the length and shape of the teeth, particularly where erosion occurs alongside grinding or clenching.
What causes dental erosion?
Diet is one of the most common factors.
It is not necessarily the total amount of acidic food or drink you consume that matters most. How often your teeth are exposed to acid is also important.
For example, sipping an acidic drink over several hours can expose your teeth to acid repeatedly.
Other possible causes include:
Acidic drinks
Fizzy drinks, fruit juices, sports drinks and other acidic beverages can contribute to enamel erosion, particularly when consumed frequently.
Citrus fruits
Oranges, lemons, grapefruits and other acidic fruits can contribute to enamel wear. This does not mean you should avoid fruit, but frequent exposure to acidic foods and drinks should be considered as part of your overall diet.
Acid reflux
Stomach acid can damage teeth if it regularly enters the mouth. If you experience frequent heartburn or acid reflux, it is worth discussing this with your GP as well as mentioning it to your dentist.
Vomiting
Repeated vomiting exposes the teeth to stomach acid and can contribute to significant erosion.
Teeth grinding
Grinding does not cause erosion itself, but it can contribute to tooth wear when combined with weakened enamel.
How can you prevent dental erosion?
There are several simple changes that can reduce acid exposure.
Reduce how often you have acidic drinks
Rather than regularly sipping acidic drinks throughout the day, try to have them less frequently and alongside a meal where possible.
Water is a good choice between meals.
Avoid brushing immediately after acidic food or drink
Acid can temporarily soften the tooth surface. Brushing immediately afterwards may increase mechanical wear.
Instead, rinse your mouth with water and allow some time before brushing.
Use fluoride toothpaste
Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste helps protect against tooth decay and supports good oral health.
Do not hold acidic drinks in your mouth
Swishing or holding acidic drinks around the mouth increases the amount of time the teeth are exposed to acid.
Consider your overall diet
You do not necessarily need to eliminate acidic foods completely. The aim is to reduce unnecessary and frequent acid exposure while maintaining a balanced diet.
Can dental erosion be repaired?
Enamel that has been permanently lost cannot simply grow back.
However, early identification can help prevent the problem from progressing. Depending on the amount of tooth wear and the underlying cause, your dentist may recommend preventive measures, monitoring or restorative treatment.
Where teeth have become significantly worn or damaged, treatments such as white fillings, inlays and onlays, crowns or other restorative options may sometimes be appropriate.
The most suitable treatment depends on the condition of the teeth, the amount of remaining tooth structure and the cause of the wear.
Dental erosion and tooth decay are not the same
Dental erosion and tooth decay can sometimes look similar, but they are different processes.
Dental erosion is caused by acid wearing away the tooth surface.
Tooth decay occurs when bacteria in plaque produce acids that damage the tooth.
It is also possible to have both conditions at the same time. This is one reason why regular dental examinations are useful: your dentist can assess changes to the teeth and identify the likely cause.
When should you see a dentist?
Make an appointment if you have noticed:
- Increasing tooth sensitivity
- Teeth becoming noticeably thinner or shorter
- Changes in the shape of your teeth
- Yellowing that appears to be increasing
- Chipped or worn teeth
- Persistent sensitivity to acidic, hot or cold foods
- Signs of frequent acid reflux alongside tooth wear
Early assessment is particularly useful because the priority is usually to identify the cause and prevent further loss of tooth structure.
Protecting your teeth for the long term
Dental erosion often develops gradually, which means small changes to your diet and oral-care routine can make a meaningful difference.
Regular dental examinations also give your dentist an opportunity to monitor tooth wear over time and identify changes before they become more extensive.
At Kew Road Dental, we provide comprehensive dental examinations and restorative treatment for patients in Richmond, Kew, East Sheen, Twickenham and surrounding areas. We have been established on Kew Road since 2012 and provide personalised private dental care for adults and families.
If you are concerned about tooth sensitivity, worn teeth or changes in the appearance of your teeth, we can assess the condition of your teeth and discuss the most appropriate options with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does dental erosion cause sensitive teeth?
It can. As enamel becomes thinner, dentine underneath may become exposed, which can make teeth more sensitive to hot, cold, sweet or acidic foods and drinks.
Can dental erosion be reversed?
Lost enamel cannot naturally grow back. However, identifying the cause and reducing further acid exposure can help prevent additional damage.
Is fruit bad for your teeth?
Fruit can form an important part of a healthy diet. However, acidic fruits and fruit juices can contribute to enamel erosion when teeth are exposed to acid frequently.
Are fizzy drinks bad for enamel?
Many fizzy drinks are acidic and frequent consumption can contribute to enamel erosion. Reducing how often you consume them and choosing water between meals can help reduce acid exposure.
Should I stop drinking fruit juice?
You do not necessarily need to eliminate it completely, but limiting acidic drinks and avoiding frequent sipping can reduce the amount of time your teeth are exposed to acid.
Can a dentist repair worn teeth?
Depending on the cause and severity of the wear, restorative treatments may be possible. Your dentist will assess the remaining tooth structure and discuss appropriate options.
Book a Dental Examination in Richmond
If you are concerned about tooth wear, sensitivity or changes to the appearance of your teeth, contact Kew Road Dental to arrange an examination.
Our practice is conveniently located on Kew Road, around a two-minute walk from Richmond Station, and we welcome patients from Richmond, Kew, East Sheen, Twickenham and the surrounding areas.