Acid erosion in teeth is an irreversible process that occurs gradually, as tooth enamel wears away after repeated exposure to acid. Unlike damage from bacteria, it is not related to cavities.
Once tooth enamel is gone, it cannot grow back on its own, which is why understanding the causes early and preventing them matters so much.
At LPID, we observe the effects of acid erosion regularly. Often, we see patients who are surprised to learn that their diet, an unknown medical condition, or even the way they brush their teeth has been slowly thinning their enamel for years.
What causes acid erosion?
Tooth enamel erosion comes from two main sources: one dietary, and the other medical.
Dietary causes (extrinsic)
The most common trigger for thinning enamel comes from what we eat and drink.
Acidic food and drink lowers the pH in your mouth, which temporarily softens the enamel and slowly strips it. The more frequently this happens, the less time your saliva has to neutralise the acid and help remineralise the enamel surface.
Common dietary culprits include:
- Citrus fruits and vinegar-based foods
- Fruit juices, smoothies, and squashes
- Sports and energy drinks
- Fizzy drinks (including sugar-free versions and sparkling water)
Keep in mind that more frequent exposure to acidic foods and drinks does more damage than how much you consume in one sitting. Sipping a soft drink over two hours is far more damaging than drinking it in one go with a meal.
Medical causes (intrinsic)
Acid does not only come from outside of the body. In some cases, stomach acid is the source.
Conditions that commonly increase stomach acid include:
- Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD or acid reflux)
- Frequent vomiting (including from eating disorders or pregnancy)
- Chronic dry mouth (xerostomia)
PubMed research confirms that people with GORD are significantly more likely to experience dental erosion than those without the condition. So, if you regularly experience heartburn or tooth sensitivity, tell your doctor and dentist.
Lastly, stress can also be an indirect contributor. It often causes dry mouth and teeth grinding, which can accelerate enamel wear. Our dedicated guide to how stress affects your teeth and oral health elaborates on these links further.
Signs your enamel may be eroding
Because tooth enamel acid erosion tends to progress gradually, it can be easy to miss until significant damage has already occurred. By keeping a regular eye on your teeth, you can take action if any signs arise.
The major signs to keep track of include:
Increased sensitivity
If you experience pain or discomfort when consuming hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks, the ‘dentine’ layer underneath your enamel may be exposed. This layer contains tiny fluid-filled channels that are directly connected to the nerve.
Discolouration
Enamel is naturally white, while the dentine layer beneath it is naturally yellow. As enamel thins over time, the underlying colour becomes more visible and teeth look more yellow.
Changes in tooth shape
You may notice your teeth looking more translucent at the edges, or small dips and pits forming on the chewing surfaces. In more advanced erosion cases, the biting edges of front teeth can appear chipped or slightly concave.
Smooth or shiny surfaces
Eroded enamel can take on a polished appearance, which is noticeably different from the subtle texture of healthy enamel.
How to protect your enamel
While lost enamel cannot be naturally replaced, you can stop further erosion with some straightforward adjustments to your lifestyle.
Alter how you consume acidic food and drink
- Try to limit acidic food and drink to mealtimes rather than continuously sipping throughout the day
- Use a straw when drinking acidic beverages to reduce contact with your teeth
- Finish meals with something that helps neutralise acid, like a small piece of cheese, a glass of milk, or plain water
Change your brushing habits
This is one that many patients are surprised by: do not brush immediately after consuming anything acidic.
Enamel is temporarily softened during an acid attack, and brushing while it is in this state can accelerate erosion. It is recommended to wait at least 30–60 minutes after eating. Rinse with plain water in the meantime.
When you do brush, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste that’s formulated to strengthen enamel. Your hygienist can advise on options that are best for your particular level of sensitivity.
Address the underlying cause
If you suspect that your erosion is linked to an underlying condition like acid reflux, it is important to have that condition diagnosed and managed by speaking to your GP. Getting that under control will help protect your teeth in the long run.
When to see a dentist
If you are already noticing sensitivity, discolouration, or changes in the shape of your teeth, booking an appointment sooner rather than later is recommended. As mentioned, catching erosion at an early stage gives you far more options.
In cases where erosion has progressed, treatment options may be available. These include:
- Fluoride treatments: professional-strength applications that help harden and protect remaining enamel
- Dental bonding: a tooth-coloured composite that is applied over exposed dentine to reduce sensitivity and restore the appearance of worn teeth
- Crowns: this option is for more advanced cases where significant structure has been lost and the tooth needs full coverage and protection
Attending regular dental hygiene visits is key. Our LPID hygienists can assess the condition of your enamel, identify early signs of erosion, and give you personalised tips on how to adjust your habits to protect against permanent damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you reverse acid erosion on teeth?
No. Once enamel has been lost, it unfortunately cannot regenerate naturally. However, you can prevent further erosion, and a dentist can use restorative treatments to protect and rebuild affected areas.
Can acid reflux cause tooth erosion?
Yes. Gastric acid from reflux or frequent vomiting is highly acidic and, over time, can erode the inner surfaces of teeth. It is particularly damaging to the backs of the upper front teeth. If you have GORD and are noticing dental changes, tell your dentist.
How do I know if I have acid erosion?
The most common signs include sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods; yellowing; translucent edges on front teeth; and small dips on teeth’s chewing surfaces. A dentist can confirm erosion during an examination and assess its severity.
Is sparkling water bad for teeth?
Plain sparkling water is mildly acidic and unlikely to cause significant erosion when consumed in moderation. Flavoured sparkling water and sparkling fruit drinks, however, tend to be more acidic and more of a concern if consumed frequently throughout the day.
How soon after eating should I brush?
Plain sparkling water is mildly acidic and unlikely to cause significant erosion when consumed in moderation. Flavoured sparkling water and sparkling fruit drinks, however, tend to be more acidic and more of a concern if consumed frequently throughout the day.
What toothpaste is best for acid erosion?
Fluoride toothpastes that are formulated for sensitive teeth or enamel strengthening are generally recommended. These typically contain hydroxyapatite or stannous fluoride. Your hygienist can advise based on your specific situation.
Concerned about the condition of your enamel? Our team at LPID is here to help. Book a consultation with our dental hygiene team to discuss your options.
Dr Leticia Casanova
Co-Founder & Periodontist
GDC number: 182582
Leticia Casanova
Co-Founder & Periodontist
GDC number: 182582
Dr Casanova graduated in dentistry from the University of Oviedo, Spain in 2006. Following a period of work in private practice she moved to New York where she completed 2 years full-time training in Periodontology at New York University College of Dentistry. She completed her PhD in Medicine in 2012, where she investigated the links between Periodontal disease and systemic diseases such as Diabetes.
Since arriving in the UK in 2009 Dr Casanova has restricted her practice to periodontology and implant dentistry offering a full range of periodontal treatments including regenerative and cosmetic procedures, microsurgical periodontal plastic surgery (gum surgery), implant dentistry and bone augmentation procedures. She is a Specialist Clinical Teacher at KCL Guy’s Hospital.
Dr Casanova is a member of the British Society of Periodontology, American Academy of Periodontology, Royal Society of Medicine and the Association of Dental Implantology UK. She regularly attends National and International conferences and publishes and presents her work in peer reviewed dental journals and dental meetings.