News

What is Acid Erosion and How Can I Reduce It?

Posted on 13/06/2018 Dental Hygiene
Man with acid erosion on his teeth.

Acid erosion is the wearing down of tooth enamel by acid in the mouth. Typically, this acid comes from the food and drink that we consume every day. Changes in diet and behaviour can reduce the effects of acid erosion. Let’s take a look at some of the causes of acid erosion and then see what can be done about it.

Causes of Acid Erosion

Acidic foods and drinks – those with a pH below 5.0 – can erode your tooth enamel. Typical culprits are fruits and their associated juices: we all know that citrus fruits such as lemons, oranges and grapefruits are acidic, but tomatoes, pineapples and grapes also have a low pH. Think of all the drinks that are based on acidic fruits and you start to see the scale of the problem!

Reducing the Effects of Acid Erosion

It is possible to adopt some habits that should negate the need to give up acidic food and drink altogether. We encourage our patients to get into the habit of sipping water after eating something acidic. Water has a neutral pH and will wash some of the acid away from your teeth. Don’t be tempted to brush your teeth straight after eating acidic foods – wait at least half an hour. The abrasive brushing combined with the acid can actually make the effects of erosion worse. 

Intrinsic Acid Erosion

As well as the acid in our food and drinks, gastric acid from our own stomachs can cause acid erosion if it comes into contact with the teeth. This is known as intrinsic acid erosion or perimolysis and is usually an indication of another problem such as bulimia, anorexia or Gastroesophageal Reflux. The oral health of a patient is so often indicative of their broader health. 

If you are concerned that your tooth enamel might be damaged by acid erosion, then an appointment with one of our dental hygienists might help. They can assist you in establishing and maintaining an effective oral hygiene routine.

For regular articles about oral health, follow us on Facebook and Twitter


Previous Post Bad habit - woman biting her fingernails. Bad Habits: 10 Habits that Hurt Healthy Teeth Posted on 31/05/2018
Next Post Gum grafts before and after Periodontal Grafts: Treatment for Receding Gums Posted on 19/06/2018
Back to All