Acid Erosion

What is acid erosion?

Enamel — the white-looking outer covering of the tooth crown — protects your teeth from daily wear and tear, as well as sensitivity to hot and cold foods or drinks. Acid erosion occurs when acid in the foods and drinks you consume wears away your enamel. Erosion exposes your teeth’s inner layers, which increases sensitivity and makes them more susceptible to cavities or decay. 

What causes acid erosion?

Sugar isn’t the only culprit when it comes to tooth decay. Today’s diets include many foods and drinks that contain acid that can erode teeth. Surprisingly, some of our healthier choices—like fruit, fruit juices, sparkling water with lemon, and even salad dressings—in addition to wine and soda are highly acidic. Beverages that can cause erosion include carbonated soft drinks, energy and sports drinks, pure fruit juice, wine and coffee. Studies have shown the enamel damaged caused by sports drinks is three to 11 times greater than that caused by cola beverages. Experts believe that consuming four or more acidic foods and drinks a day can increase the risk of acid wear.  Acid erosion also can occur as a result of your teeth’s exposure to stomach acids due to some medical conditions, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (acid reflux) and bulimia. In addition, environmental factors, including friction (bruxism) and abrasion (brushing too hard), can cause erosion. Signs and symptoms of acid erosion include sensitivity, discoloration, rounded teeth, transparency, cracks and cupping, or small dents that may appear on the chewing surfaces of your teeth.

What can I do to prevent acid erosion?

• Cut down on your consumption of carbonated soft drinks, sports and energy drinks, and pure fruit juice.
• Avoid sugary snacks.
• Drink water throughout the day.
• Drink acidic drinks with a straw. Also, don’t swish these liquids around or hold them in your mouth for long periods of time.
• After consuming acidic drinks, rinse your mouth with water to neutralize the acids and wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth to allow your mouth to produce enough saliva to neutralize the acidity and allow the enamel to harden.
• Chew sugar-free gum, which helps your mouth produce more saliva to remineralize your teeth.
• Brush with a soft-bristle toothbrush, and be sure your toothpaste contains fluoride.
• Don’t let your child consume highly acidic drinks or fruit juices in his or her sippy cup or bottle. The sugar in these beverages can cause cavities in your baby’s teeth, leading to “baby bottle tooth decay.” Instead, let your child finish his or her bottle before bedtime.

Talk to your general dentist in Evansville, IN. Your dentist can explain the effects of nutritional choices on your teeth, including the various foods and beverages to choose and which ones to avoid. Knowing all you can about the effects of what you eat and drink on your teeth can help keep your smile bright over a lifetime.