Dental erosion is the process whereby tooth enamel (and dentine) are destroyed by the action of acid on the teeth. The acid may be of endogenous origin (i.e. from within the body) or exogenous (from outside the body). This is a different process to the damage caused by acid from decay producing bacteria.

Unlike tooth decay erosion affects the whole surface of the tooth. Exposure to acid over a long period of time leads to progressive loss of enamel with the effect that the tooth “shrinks” and crumbles at the biting edge. Eventually the dentine is exposed leading to pain and sometimes death of the tooth.

The process is irreversible and requires expensive cosmetic dentistry to restore function and appearance.

 At risk groups:

1.             “Pop” drinkers.

·         The commonest sufferers from tooth erosion are teenagers whose main drink is “pop” (Coca Cola, lemonade or other similar fizzy drinks). All the fizzy drinks have a high acidity and rapidly dissolve enamel. The more frequent the consumption the more damage is done. Those who swish the drink round their teeth are the worst affected. Using a straw does not prevent damage. It probably transfers the problem from front teeth to back teeth.

2.             Pure fruit juice drinkers

·          People who drink pure fruit juices which are very acidic as their main drink have similar problems to pop drinkers.

3.             People with eating disorders

·         Bulimia or frequent gastric regurgitation or vomiting causes tooth destruction by stomach acids. Medical (and dental) advice should be sought as soon as possible.

Recommendation:

DO NOT BRUSH your teeth straight after drinking an acid drink or vomiting. After acid exposure the enamel is softened. Calcium salts in saliva will rematerialize and harden some of the softened enamel given time. Therefore DO NOT BRUSH your teeth straight after drinking an acid drink as the softened enamel will be further damaged by the brushing and speed up the process of erosion. Wait at least half an hour before brushing.

Safe drinks:

            ·           Water (has your water got fluoride in it? If not why not?)

           Milk, Tea and Coffee (without sugar)

            Dilute sugar free squashes such as “Robinson’s Special R”.

Summary

1.      Excess acid from drinks or gastric acid cause irreversible enamel  Loss. 

  Recommendation: No more than one acid drink per day

2.        Choose safe drinks

3.        Wait half an hour before brushing after an acid drink