What is acid erosion?
It is a form of tooth wear that is caused by acid softening the surface of the tooth’s enamel. When tooth enamel (the tooth’s hard surface) is exposed to acids (from food, drinks or the stomach, e.g., due to sickness or regurgitation), it temporarily softens and loses some of its mineral content. Saliva will help neutralize acidity, restore the mouth’s natural balance and slowly re-harden the tooth enamel. However, because the tooth’s recovery process is slow, if the acid attack happens frequently, the tooth does not have a chance to repair itself. When the enamel is soft and we brush our teeth, the enamel can be worn away more easily, become thinner over time and lead to the signs of acid erosion. This wearing of enamel caused by acid in our diet is called acid erosion.
It is a form of toothwear that is caused by acid softening of the surface of the tooth’s enamel. When tooth enamel (the tooth’s hard surface) is exposed to acids (from food, drinks or the stomach), it temporarily softens and loses some of its mineral content. Saliva will help neutralise acidity, restore the mouth’s natural balance and slowly harden the tooth enamel. However, because the tooth’s recovery process is slow, if the acid attack happens frequently, the tooth does not have a chance to repair. Over time, this acidic softening – particularly when combined with abrasion (a general wearing of the surface by constant rubbing), for example, from toothpaste during toothbrushing – can cause significant wear, resulting in reduced thickness of enamel which can lead to a change in the texture, shape and appearance of teeth, which may also mean they become sensitive.
