DENTAL EROSION – are your teeth being eroded away?

Dental Erosion is when the surface of the teeth is dissolved by prolonged exposure to acid. This loss of tooth structure is irreversible and often causes the teeth to be sensitive, which can be quite painful, and can affect the look of the teeth.

Sources of acid exposure can be from within your body (intrinsic), or introduced from outside your body (extrinsic).

Intrinsic acid exposure can come from gastric reflux, or recurrent vomiting (eg prolonged morning sickness, bulimia).

Extrinsic acid can comes from many commonly consumed products:

• Drinks such as fruit juice, carbonated (fizzy) drinks, sports drinks, and wine
• Foods such as citrus fruit
• Medications such as Vitamin C, Aspirin

Are you at risk of Dental Erosion?

You are at an increased risk of Dental erosion if you:

• Have a high intake of acidic foods or drinks
• Have a low salivary flow, or a dry mouth
• Have insufficient water intake
• Have a high intake of caffeine-containing drinks
• Are dehydrated due to active lifestyle

What can you do to control or avoid dental erosion?

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
• Drink water or milk in place of carbonated drinks, fruit drinks or cordials
• If you must have an acidic drink, drink with a straw
• Restrict acidic foods to meal times
• Avoid tooth brushing for 30 minutes after eating or drinking acidic foods or drinks
• Brush twice daily with fluoridated toothpaste and a soft brush
• Have regular dental check-ups so that signs of erosion can be detected early.