Tooth Erosion

Erosion is the process of tooth structure loss that affects the enamel and dentin due to chemical and physical factors and not due to decay. Acid plays a major role in this type of tooth structure loss. Acids can be found in certain types of food and beverages or in our stomach contents.

The signs of erosion are easily identified by your dentist which include wear of the enamel and dentin in a specific pattern that looks different than wear or attrition of the teeth due to clenching and grinding alone. Lack of salivary flow (xerostomia) which is caused by certain health conditions or certain medications will make the problem worse. Modifying your diet or seeking medical treatment maybe necessary depending on what's causing the erosion.

GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) is a condition where the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) opens spontaneously, for varying periods of time, or does not close properly and stomach contents rise up into the esophagus. When acid reflux occurs, food or fluid can be tasted in the back of the mouth. When refluxed stomach acid touches the lining of the esophagus it may cause a burning sensation in the chest or throat called heartburn or acid indigestion. This can also occur at night while you sleep and you maybe totally unaware of it. Anorexia and Bulimia Nervosa can also cause the contents of the stomach to enter the oral cavity on a regular basis and cause tooth erosion.

Some examples of foods and drinks that are high in acid (low PH) are grapefruit juice, apple juice, orange juice, carbonated sodas (even diet ones), oranges and lemons. The importants thing to remember is to reduce the amount of time that the teeth are exposed to such foods and drinks. It's better to drink a glass of orange juice or a soda for example over a short period of time than to sip on it over a longer period of time. Brushing right after helps clear the acids.

It's important to identify this condition early before significant tooth damage has occured and restoring the teeth if significant amounts of dentin have been exposed. It's also important to address other issue such as clenching or grinding (bruxism) that can further breakdown tooth structure.