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The erosion of enamel on your teeth can be a big problem. After all, it doesn't repair itself, so you need to be aware of it and take the necessary steps to stop acid from attacking your teeth.
Fortunately, these steps are really easy to implement, and you can easily stop the erosion of your enamel with some small changes to your diet and tooth hygiene routine, as we explore in this article.
What is tooth enamel erosion?
The erosion of tooth enamel, also called dental erosion, occurs when some of the enamel surface of your teeth is dissolved or softened with acid.
The enamel is essentially the outer layer of your teeth and it is responsible for protecting your teeth from physical damage. It's actually the hardest tissue in the human body and doesn't dissolve or erode easily.
In some cases, the acid that causes the erosion comes from the stomach, but other times it is present in foods and drinks. You might notice that your enamel is eroding if you experience heightened sensitivity, discolouration, or even toothache.
Given that your enamel is like a protective barrier for your teeth, if it starts to erode, your teeth are at more risk than they otherwise would be. Therefore, it's important to recognize this condition and do something about it before it becomes a significant problem for your dental health.
What causes enamel erosion?
The primary cause of the erosion of enamel is the acid present in specific foods and drinks. If you consume a high concentration of acidic foods and drinks, your saliva can't remove all of the acid from your teeth and gums.
The following foods and drinks are the most common culprits when it comes to eroding the enamel from your teeth:
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Ice cream, syrup, and caramel
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Citric fruits like apples, berries, and rhubarb
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Sodas that contain citric acid
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High sugar fruit drinks and smoothies
Though acidic foods and drinks are the primary causes of dental erosion, they're not the only causes. Bruxism, also known as teeth grinding, can also erode the enamel from your teeth.
Acid reflux, which causes acid to move from the stomach to the mouth, can also be a cause, as can the use of some medications.
If you're worried about the condition of the enamel on your teeth, we recommend consulting with a dentist or dental hygienist to work through the most likely causes before looking into any potential treatment options.
How to stop enamel erosion?
For many people, stopping the erosion of tooth enamel can be as simple as improving your diet. Cutting out highly acidic foods is the best way to protect the enamel on your teeth, so make sure you don't eat too much sugar and avoid sodas with citric acid.
Equally, improving the way that you look after your teeth can make a big difference. If you eat sugary or highly acidic foods regularly, get into the habit of brushing your teeth with an electric toothbrush, like the Laifen Wave, as soon as you have finished.
You should also use an antibacterial mouthwash straight after, as this can help to remove some of the acid and will prevent it from coating your enamel.
However, if you think the erosion of your teeth's enamel is caused by an underlying condition such as GERD (chronic acid reflux), you will need to schedule an appointment with your doctor to treat that condition first.
How to fix enamel erosion?
While the enamel on your teeth is extremely strong and tough, it cannot grow back, as it doesn't have any living cells. While this might sound worrying, the reality is that the process happens over time (several years).
So, if you notice it early enough, you can take steps to prevent it from becoming worse. These include:
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Wait before you brush: Acid softens enamel instantly. If you brush right after a soda or citrus, you’re literally scrubbing your teeth away. Wait 30 minutes for saliva to neutralize the "acid attack" first.
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Deploy the Wave Pro: Use the Laifen Wave Pro on a gentle setting. Its high-frequency vibration removes abrasive plaque without the harsh scrubbing motion of manual brushes, protecting your thinned enamel from further physical wear.
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Mineralize your routine: Swap standard paste for hydroxyapatite or high-fluoride formulas. These minerals act like liquid armor, filling in microscopic pores in your enamel to "rebuild" its density and block painful sensitivity effectively.
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Neutralize with dairy: After eating something acidic, snack on a piece of cheese or sip plain milk. The calcium and phosphates help rebalance your mouth's pH levels, putting the "brakes" on chemical erosion.
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Hydrate and stimulate: Dry mouths erode faster. Sip water constantly and chew xylitol gum to keep saliva flowing. Saliva is your body’s natural repair kit, constantly bathing your teeth in life-saving protective minerals.
Recap
The erosion of your teeth's enamel is something that you want to avoid. After all, it cannot grow back and it's your first line of defense against long-term dental issues.
Thankfully, there are some super simple steps that you can take to prevent dental erosion, as illustrated above. But as with any potential dental issue, please contact your dentist's office if you're worried about the erosion of enamel and schedule an appointment with your dentist to discuss the best way forward.
FAQs
Q1: How to prevent enamel erosion?
The best way to stop dental erosion from becoming a problem is to eliminate highly acidic foods and drinks from your diet. Also, regularly visiting your dentist and cleaning your teeth properly can both help to protect your enamel.
Q2: What does enamel erosion look like?
You can usually spot the early signs of erosion by checking for signs of discoloration in your teeth. You might also experience additional sensitivity. The best way to diagnose it is to visit your dentist, but these are a couple of the early signs.
Q3: Is the erosion of enamel painful?
It's not usually painful, but your teeth are likely to become more sensitive to hot and cold foods and drinks if the enamel has started to erode. You might also experience toothache from time to time.
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