Dental Erosion

Erosion of posterior teeth. Note the cupping of the occlusal surface and exposure of dentin layer due to enamel loss.

Dental erosion is a condition where there is a loss of tooth surface due to acidic wear. Signs of tooth erosion: thinning and transparent front tooth, shortening of tooth, tooth sensitivity, cupping of posterior teeth, extruded old fillings and failing restoration.

Our teeth is made of mostly of calcium. Just like our limestone hills, it's solid form can be dissolved by contact with acidic substance. Example of acidic substance including different type of juices, soda, and even wines. Rule of thumb is, if the food or drink taste sour, it's acidic… Other than drink or food, other common cost for erosion is gastric reflux, chronic vommiting and bulimia.

We can limit the dental erosion by:

• limit contact with the acidic substance. Drink in 1 gulp, instead of sipping the whole day.

• hot acidic drinks is more damaging than cold drink.

• finished the acidic drink by drinking huge amount of plain water

• drinking with straw to limit contact of juice with teeth

• do not brush teeth immediately after acidic drink.

• use specialised erosion protective toothpaste

• see medical doctor treatment if causes is gastic reflux, vommiting and bulimia

Erosion of the tooth structure once happened, is irreversible.

#dentalerosion