Erosion

Erosion is a process whereby enamel is dissolved from the surface of a tooth by an acid.  It is a different process from decay.  The acid may be ingested or it may come from the stomach.

 

The acids that cause erosion are

· Soft drinks (including diet drinks)

· Sports drinks

· Some fruit juices (especially lemon or grapefruit juice)

· Vinegar and pickles

· Wine

 

Some medicines such as ascorbic acid, acetylsalicylic acid, cough suppressants

Gastric juices (any cause of frequent vomiting or gastric reflux such as hiatus hernia, morning sickness or bulimia)

 

Decrease the frequency of acidic foods or drinks.  Especially drinks.  Drink such liquids through a straw or consume with foods or rinse your mouth with water immediately after drinking something acidic.  Avoid excessive consumption of acidic liquids between meals. Between meals drink non-acidic drinks such as water, tea, coffee or milk drinks. Chewing a piece of cheese after wine or adding yoghurt to fruit juice is a good idea.

 

Avoid brushing your teeth immediately after an acid attack (when you have drunk an acidic liquid).  The acid will soften the teeth and if you wait at least half an hour then the enamel has a chance to recover, remineralise and harden.  Immediately after an acid attack rinsing your mouth with water is advantageous.  Rinsing with milk, fluoride mouthrinse or sodium bicarbonate can also help.

 

Acid reflux is difficult to control.  Gastric juices contain very strong acids that are very dangerous to tooth surfaces. After vomiting or acid reflux an unpleasant taste in the mouth indicates the presence of acid.

Rinse the mouth thoroughly with water, bicarbonate rinse (one teaspoon baking soda in a glass of water.  Keep in the fridge. Discard after one day.), milk or Fluoride mouthrinse

Rub toothpaste over your teeth with your finger

Don’t brush your teeth until your teeth have begun to remineralise.  This will be at least 30 minutes

 

Fluoride or ‘Toothmousse’ can be used to hasten and speed up the process of remineralisation. When used appropriately they harden teeth and help prevent erosion.