Acid damage to the teeth, also known as dental erosion, occurs when acids wear away the tooth enamel — the hard, protective outer layer of the tooth. Unlike cavities, which are caused by bacteria, erosion is caused by direct chemical exposure to acids. Once tooth enamel is lost, it cannot grow back, making early detection and prevention essential.
What causes acid damage?
Acid erosion can be caused by both external and internal sources of acid:
- Acidic food and drinks: Frequent consumption of citrus fruits, soft drinks, energy drinks, fruit juices, wine and vinegar-based foods can gradually erode tooth enamel.
- Acid reflux (GERD): Stomach acid that repeatedly reaches the mouth due to gastroesophageal reflux can cause significant erosion, particularly on the back teeth.
- Eating disorders: Conditions such as bulimia, where repeated vomiting exposes the teeth to stomach acid, can cause severe and characteristic patterns of erosion.
- Dry mouth: Saliva helps neutralise acids and protect the teeth. Conditions or medications that reduce saliva production increase the risk of erosion.
- Excessive vitamin C or acidic supplements: Chewable vitamin C tablets and other acidic supplements can contribute to erosion if used frequently.
How do I know if I have acid damage?
Acid erosion often develops gradually and may not be immediately noticeable. The dentist can detect early signs during a routine examination. However, there are signs you can look out for yourself:
- Increased sensitivity: As the enamel wears thin, the underlying dentine becomes exposed, causing sensitivity to hot, cold and sweet foods and drinks.
- Discolouration: Teeth may appear more yellow as the white enamel wears away and the yellow dentine beneath shows through.
- Rounded or transparent edges: The biting edges of the front teeth may become transparent or look rounded and thin.
- Smooth, shiny surfaces: Eroded teeth may have smooth, glassy-looking areas where the enamel has worn away.
- Indentations: Small dents or cupping may appear on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth.
- Cracking or chipping: Weakened teeth are more prone to cracks and chips.
Common signs of acid erosion
The most typical signs that you may have acid damage to your teeth include:
- Teeth that feel sensitive when drinking cold or hot beverages
- Teeth that look more yellow than before
- Front teeth that appear thin or translucent at the edges
- Existing fillings that appear to "stand up" above the surrounding tooth surface
- Teeth that are more prone to chipping or cracking
What can you do at home?
While you cannot reverse existing acid damage, you can take steps to prevent further erosion:
- Limit acidic food and drinks: Reduce the frequency of acidic foods and beverages. When you do consume them, try to have them with a meal rather than on their own.
- Use a straw: When drinking acidic beverages, use a straw to minimise contact with the teeth.
- Rinse with water: After consuming acidic food or drinks, rinse your mouth with plain water to help neutralise the acid.
- Wait before brushing: Wait at least 30 minutes after eating or drinking acidic substances before brushing, as the enamel is temporarily softened and more susceptible to abrasion.
- Use fluoride toothpaste: Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and can provide some protection against erosion.
- Chew sugar-free gum: Chewing gum stimulates saliva production, which helps neutralise acids and protect the teeth.
Professional treatment
The dentist can help treat and manage acid damage with various approaches depending on the severity:
- Fluoride treatment: Professional fluoride application can help strengthen the remaining enamel and reduce sensitivity.
- Bonding: For mild to moderate erosion, the dentist can apply composite resin (tooth-coloured filling material) to protect the exposed surfaces and restore the shape of the teeth.
- Veneers: Porcelain veneers can be placed on the front teeth to protect the remaining tooth structure and restore aesthetics.
- Crowns: For severely eroded teeth, dental crowns may be necessary to protect and rebuild the tooth.
- Addressing underlying causes: The dentist can help identify the source of acid exposure and recommend strategies to reduce it, including referral to a doctor for conditions like acid reflux.
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Helfo coverage
In some cases, treatment for acid damage may be partially covered by Helfo (the Norwegian Health Economics Administration). Coverage may apply when the erosion is caused by medical conditions such as acid reflux (GERD) or eating disorders. The dentist can help you assess whether you are eligible and assist with the necessary documentation.
Contact us for more information about your specific situation and potential coverage.
View infographic — Dental erosion
