Dental erosion (enamel wear): acidic drinks, reflux, symptoms and prevention
Dental erosion is enamel being dissolved directly by acids, without bacteria. Fizzy and energy drinks, lemon water, vinegar, acidic fruit juices and stomach acid (reflux, frequent vomiting) are the most common causes. The first signs are translucent edges on the front teeth, yellowing and sensitivity. Lost enamel doesn't grow back, but changing habits can stop erosion and worn teeth can be repaired.
Signs of erosion
- Translucent, glassy edges on the front teeth
- Yellowing as thinning enamel reveals the dentine beneath
- Sensitivity to cold, heat and sweet things
- Cupping on the chewing surfaces of back teeth; old fillings looking raised above the tooth
- Teeth getting shorter, small chips at the edges
Causes of erosion
| Source | Examples |
|---|---|
| Drinks | Cola and fizzy drinks, energy and sports drinks, fruit juices, water with lemon or vinegar, wine |
| Foods | Citrus fruit, sour sweets, pickles and vinegar-based sauces |
| Stomach acid | Reflux, frequent vomiting, morning sickness |
| Habits | Holding drinks in the mouth, sipping all day, brushing hard straight after acid |
| Dry mouth | Saliva can't neutralise acid. See dry mouth |
Protecting your teeth from erosion
- Cut down on acidic drinks; if you have them, drink with meals and through a straw, and don't sip all day.
- Rinse your mouth with water after acidic food or drink.
- Wait 30–60 minutes before brushing; enamel softened by acid wears more easily if brushed straight away.
- Use a fluoride toothpaste and a soft brush, and don't brush hard.
- Foods such as cheese or milk, and sugar-free gum, increase saliva and help neutralise acid.
- If you have reflux symptoms (heartburn, sour liquid in the mouth), see your doctor; erosion continues until reflux is treated.
How are worn teeth repaired?
- Early stage: fluoride and sensitivity treatment, changing habits.
- Loss at edges and surfaces: rebuilding with bonding (composite). See what is bonding.
- Significant loss on front teeth: laminate veneers. See laminate veneers.
- Advanced loss on many teeth: crowns and, if needed, restoring bite height. See full-mouth rehabilitation.
If wear comes with clenching, a night guard may also be needed. See teeth grinding and night guards.
Examination in Beylikdüzü
Dent32 is at Barış Mah., Ginza Lavinya, E-5 Yanyolu No:30 D:179, 34520 Beylikdüzü, Istanbul and is open seven days a week. To book, call or WhatsApp +90 555 011 33 68, or use our contact page. At the examination we share the findings, the options and the approximate cost in writing; you are under no obligation to start treatment afterwards.
Frequently asked questions
Does eroded enamel grow back?
No, enamel can't regenerate. But early on, fluoride and changed habits can stop it progressing, and lost areas can be repaired with bonding, veneers or crowns.
Should I brush straight after an acidic drink?
No. Rinse with water first and wait 30–60 minutes before brushing; acid-softened enamel wears more easily if brushed straight away.
Can reflux damage teeth?
Yes. Stomach acid can cause erosion, especially on the inner surfaces of the upper front teeth and on the molars. Treating reflux also protects your teeth.
