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Erosion is the loss of tooth enamel caused by acid attack. Enamel
is the hard, protective coating of the tooth, which protects the
sensitive dentine underneath. When the enamel is worn away, the
dentine underneath is exposed, which may lead to pain and sensitivity.
This can happen when someone keeps being sick; for instance, in cases of Bulimia, Anorexia Nervosa or long-term ill health.
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How can I help my child prevent erosion?
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| Giving
your child acidic foods and drinks less often will help prevent
erosion. Using a straw with drinks may also help to cut down the
erosion. This allows the drink to go straight to the back of the
mouth which avoids long-term contact with the teeth. It is important
to remember prevention is better than cure. |
How do I know I have dental erosion?
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| Erosion
usually shows up as hollows in the teeth and a general wearing away
of the tooth surface and biting edges. This can expose the dentine
underneath, which is a darker, yellower colour than the enamel.
As the dentine exposed is sensitive, teeth can also be more sensitive
to hot, cold or sweet foods and drinks. |
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What causes dental erosion?
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| Every
time you eat or drink anything acidic, the enamel on your teeth
becomes softer for a short while, and loses some of its mineral
content. Your saliva will slowly neutralise this acidity in your
mouth and restore it to its natural balance. However, if this acid
attack happens too often, the mouth does not have a chance to repair
itself and tiny particles of enamel can be brushed away. Over time,
you would start to lose the surface of your teeth. |
Are there any medical problems which can cause dental erosion?
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| Bulimia
is a condition where patients make themselves sick so that they
lose weight. Because there are high levels of acid in the vomit,
this can cause damage to tooth enamel. |
Do any other acids cause dental erosion?
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| There
are many medical conditions which could help cause dental erosion.
Acids produced by the stomach can come up into the mouth (this is
called gastro-oesophageal reflux). Patients suffering from Hiatus
hernia and other oesophageal problems, such as drinking too much
alcohol, may also find they suffer from dental erosion due to vomiting.
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What problems can it lead to?
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Dentine
is the softer, sensitive part of the tooth. As this becomes exposed,
it also becomes more likely to decay, leading to cavities and possible
fillings. The dentine is also sensitive, which can cause pain when
you have hot, cold or sweet foods and drinks.
The parts of the tooth suffering from erosion can also be unsightly. The dentine is darker and the teeth become shorter and shorter.
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Can my diet help prevent dental erosion?
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Acidic
foods and drinks such as fruit and fruit juices, particularly citric
ones including lemon and orange, can be particularly harmful to
teeth. Fruit juices and fruits contain natural acids, which can
be just as harmful to teeth. Fizzy drinks are also a cause of enamel
erosion. It is important to remember that even the diet brands are
still as harmful. Even flavoured fizzy waters can have an effect
if taken in large amounts, as they contain certain acids which can
harm the teeth.
It is important to have acidic foods and drinks at mealtimes only.
Healthy foods such as fruit and fruit juices are not always the best options for teeth if you have too much of them. It is also recommended that you do not brush your teeth for at least one hour after eating or drinking anything acidic, so that your teeth can build up their mineral content again. |
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eating, especially acidic foods, plaque acid attacks your teeth.
This can lead to enamel erosion and tooth decay. You get the best
results by chewing sugar-free gum for twenty minutes after eating
or drinking. Chewing sugar-free gum makes your mouth produce more
saliva. This neutralises the acid and helps the enamel build up
its mineral content, preventing early tooth decay. |
Many sports drinks contain a lot of acid and can therefore cause
dental erosion. However, it is important for athletes to avoid dehydration,
and it is essential to drink plenty of fluids during training. Water
or sugar - free drinks are ideal to sip during the session, and
sports drinks should be drunk more quickly without holding or ‘swishing’
around the mouth.
It is important for everyone training and playing sports to have regular dental check ups and keep to a good standard of oral hygiene and plaque control. |
Should I use a special toothpaste?
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| We
recommend you use a fluoride toothpaste twice a day. In severe cases
fluoride supplements such as rinses and gels may be used once a
day. Your dentist or hygienist will tell you the best supplement
to use. If you are unsure, look for products that have been accredited
by the British Dental Health Foundation. This means the products
have been clinically tested and the claims on the packaging are
proven to be correct. |
What about alcoholic drinks?
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| Many
of the popular ‘alcopops’ drinks have been proven to
cause erosion. They usually contain citric fruits and alcoholic
spirits which can be harmful to teeth. It is therefore important
not to drink too much of these. |
How can dental erosion be treated?
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| Dental
erosion does not always need to be treated. With regular check ups
your dentist can prevent the problem getting any worse and the erosion
going any further. In other cases it is important to protect the
tooth and the dentine underneath to prevent tooth decay and sensitivity.
In these cases, simply bonding a filling onto the tooth will be
enough to repair it. However in more severe cases the dentist may
need to fit a veneer. (See Tell Me About Veneers) .
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How much will erosion treatment cost?
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| Costs
can vary, depending on the type of treatment necessary. In a few
cases, the treatment may be covered by the National Health Service.
More extensive treatment may only be available privately and can
therefore be more expensive. It is important to discuss all the
treatment options with your dentist and be sure to get a written
estimate before starting treatment. |
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