The hard, outside layer of your teeth is called enamel. When it is properly cared for, enamel can give your teeth their white color and protect the sensitive inside layers of nerves and the blood supply.
If your teeth are repeatedly exposed to acid, the enamel can wear away. This is called dental erosion. Some common causes of dental erosion are
• acidic foods or drinks
• acid reflux (sometimes called gastroesophageal reflux disease [GERD])
• repeated vomiting
AM I AT RISK FOR DENTAL EROSION?
Dental erosion occurs when teeth are repeatedly exposed to acid. This can happen from the foods and drinks you take in or from stomach acid that enters the mouth as a result of acid reflux or vomiting.
Foods and drinks
Acidic drinks seem to cause the most damage. They make contact with all of the surfaces of your teeth and are often sipped over a long period. Soda seems to be the biggest offender, followed by sports and energy drinks. Snacks tend to be more acidic than foods eaten during a meal. Sour candies and chewing gums are problematic because they are sticky, so they stay on your teeth for a long time.
Acid reflux
Some people may call this GERD or heartburn. This digestive problem often causes burning in your stomach or throat, but it also may cause dental erosion if you are belching stomach acid into the mouth.
Vomiting
Frequent vomiting can cause dental erosion. This type of vomiting is commonly associated with an eating disorder called bulimia. People who have bulimia binge on large amounts of food, then may vomit to rid their bodies of it. This can be a repeated cycle that exposes the teeth to stomach acid. Repeated vomiting also can occur during pregnancy.
How will I know if I have dental erosion?
Your dentist may be the first to recognize that you have dental erosion. The wearing away often starts with changes in the chewing surfaces of your back teeth or the inside surface of your front teeth. If it is more advanced, you may notice that your teeth look yellowish. Your front teeth may look shortened and your teeth may become sensitive.
HOW CAN I PROTECT MY TEETH?
Naturally, taking steps to avoid the risk factors mentioned is
the best way to help protect your teeth from dental erosion.
Other tips are
• See your dentist regularly.
• Limit snacking. Eating and drinking as part of a meal stimulates saliva production. Saliva helps reduce acid.
• Drink water instead of acidic drinks. If you do not want to choose water, use a straw when drinking, which may help protect your teeth.
• Choose sugarless chewing gum or candies, which also can stimulate saliva.
• People who have a problem with acid reflux or frequent vomiting can rinse with water.
• Milk and yogurt have been found to strengthen enamel. Try adding them to your diet. Choose plain rather than sweetened yogurt to cut down on the risk of cavities and consider adding your favorite fresh fruit.
• Wait one-half hour to an hour before toothbrushing if your teeth have been exposed to acid. Before that, the enamel is soft, and toothbrushing may scrub it away.
CONCLUSIONS
Exposing your teeth to acid through your diet, acid reflux, or vomiting can damage the enamel that protects the inside of the tooth. Make changes to your diet or talk to your dentist about ways to protect your teeth from acid reflux or repeated vomiting.
DISCLOSURE
Ms. Mark did not report any disclosures
https://jada.ada.org/article/S0002-8177(23)00663-3/fulltext
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JADA 155(1) • http://jada.ada.org • January 2024