Dental Erosion is the irreversible loss of tooth substance by a chemical process that does not involve bacteria.

Extrinsic Causes Diet and medications

• Citrus fruits, fruit juices and candies with high concentration of citric acid
• Chlorine in water from swimming pools
• Herbal tea and sour candies
• Carbonated beverages – sport drinks (citric and phosphoric acid) and fizzy water (carbonic acid)
• Vinegar (acetic acid) associated with pickled foods

Intrinsic Causes:

• Reflux, Vomiting, Low salivary flow rate

The Signs/Symptoms of Tooth Erosion

• Sensitivity or twinge of pain when consuming hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks
• Dents (known as cupping) develop on the chewing surfaces of the teeth. (At this stage fillings may actually appear to rise up)
• Discoloration is visible as a slight yellow appearance on the tooth surface
• Transparency of the front teeth appears along the biting edges
• Rounding of teeth occurs along the surfaces and edges of teeth
• Cracks and roughness appear along the edges of the teeth

Prevention

• Finish meals/snacks with dairy, alkaline products or sugarless gum
• Reduce frequency of acidic substances, especially at night
• Use non-abrasive toothpaste/gel