What is acid erosion?
What is the difference between decay and erosion?
What causes acid erosion?
What foods are deemed acidic?

Acid Erosion: Effects

How does acid erosion affect teeth?
What is the link between acid erosion and sensitivity?
What are the long term consequences of acid erosion?
How quickly can the effects of acid erosion occur?

Acid Erosion: Those Affected

How many people are affected by acid erosion?
Is the number of people affected by acid erosion increasing?
Who is most likely to be affected by acid erosion?
Can children have acid erosion?
Is it true that acid erosion is something that people should not worry about until they are older?

Acid Erosion: Prevention

What can be done to help prevent acid erosion?
Can acid erosion be reversed?

Acid Erosion: a modern phenomenon?

Why is acid erosion only now becoming a problem?
How long have dentists known acid erosion is a problem?

Sensodyne^® Pronamel^®

How does Sensodyne Pronamel help protect teeth from acid erosion?
How often do I need to use Sensodyne Pronamel for it to be effective?
Does Sensodyne Pronamel repair tooth enamel?
Do I need to use a regular toothpaste alongside Sensodyne Pronamel?
Does Sensodyne Pronamel do everything my normal toothpaste will?
Are there any side effects from using Sensodyne Pronamel?

 

What is acid erosion?

It is a form of tooth wear that is caused by acid softening the surface of the tooth’s enamel.

When tooth enamel (the tooth’s hard surface) is exposed to acids (from food, drinks or the stomach e.g. due to sickness or regurgitation), it temporarily softens and loses some of its mineral content. Saliva will help neutralise acidity, restore the mouth’s natural balance and slowly re-harden the tooth enamel. However, because the tooth’s recovery process is slow, if the acid attack happens frequently, the tooth does not have a chance to repair.

When the enamel is soft and we brush our teeth, the enamel can be worn away more easily, become thinner over time and lead to the signs of acid erosion.

This wearing of enamel caused by acid in our diet is called acid erosion.

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What is the difference between decay and erosion?

When foods containing sugars or starches are eaten, the bacteria in the mouth (in plaque) convert these products to acids that can lead to dissolving of the tooth enamel. Over time, this can cause the enamel to break down and a cavity to form, which may require filling by a dentist.

Whilst decay is a localised process (ie. it does not effect all of the teeth at one time), erosion occurs across the whole tooth surface that has been exposed to acid. It does not involve bacteria or dietary sugars, but is the result of direct action of acids (either from food, drinks or the stomach e.g. due to sickness or regurgitation) on the tooths enamel surface.

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What causes acid erosion?

Frequent consumption of food and drinks with a high acid content can cause enamel erosion.

When tooth enamel is exposed to acids (from food, drinks or the stomach), it temporarily softens and loses some of its mineral content. Saliva will help neutralise acidity, restore the mouth’s natural balance and slowly re-harden the tooth enamel. However, because the tooth’s recovery process is slow, if the acid attack happens frequently, the tooth does not have a chance to repair.

Amongst other foodstuffs, wine, fruit teas and various fruits can be highly acidic and therefore potentially damaging to the teeth. Acidic foods should not and cannot easily be avoided, but care needs to be taken as to when and how often they are consumed.

It is not just what is consumed that causes acid erosion, but also the way that acidic items are held within the mouth. Holding or retaining acidic food or drinks in the mouth prolongs the teeth's exposure to acid, therefore increasing the risk of erosion. Swilling an acidic drink, for example, can increase the acidic drink’s contact with the tooth or teeth, again increasing the risk of erosion.

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What foods are deemed acidic?

Follow our traffic light guide to which foods are the most acidic:

Red - Highly acidic | Yellow - Slightly acidic | Green - Neutral

Breakfast:

English Breakfast (bacon, sausage and egg)
Cereal (with milk)
Toast

Bananas

Grapefruit
Strawberry jam
Honey

Lunch:

Peanut butter on brown bread
Pitta bread, black olives and tuna

Tomato soup
Jacket potato and beans

Plate of chips with vinegar
Salad with vinegar dressing

Dinner:

Lobster and rice
Fresh boiled salmon and broccoli

Hamburger
Chicken and chips

Lamb and mint jelly
Tomato salad with balsamic dressing

Dessert:

Cheese board
Choclate cake

Eclairs

Fruit salad
Rhubarb

Drinks:

Milk
English tea

Beer

Fruit tea
Red wine
Fresh orange juice

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Acid Erosion: Effects

How does acid erosion affect teeth?

The wear caused by acid erosion can lead to reduced thickness of enamel and a change in texture, shape and appearance of teeth, which may also cause teeth to become sensitive.

The early signs that acid erosion may be present can include:

• Sensitivity

As dentine becomes exposed through loss of enamel, an occasional slight twinge may be felt when consuming hot, cold or sweet foods and drinks

• Discolouration

Teeth can have a slight yellow appearance as enamel becomes thinner, the darker dentine shows through

• Rounded Teeth

A rounded ‘sandblasted’ look on the surface and edges of the teeth

The later stages of acid erosion can include:

• Transparency

Teeth may appear slightly transparent near their biting edges

• Advanced Discolouration

Teeth may show a darker yellow appearance due to the exposed dentine showing through

• Cracks

Small cracks and roughness may be present at the edges of the teeth

• Severe Sensitivity

As dentine continues to become exposed over time, patients can suffer from a severe case of sensitive teeth

• Cupping

Small dents may appear on the chewing surface of the teeth – at this stage any fillings may appear to rise up

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What is the link between acid erosion and sensitivity?

As tooth enamel is worn away, the underlying dentine may be exposed. This is a softer part of the tooth and as it becomes exposed, teeth may be more sensitive. As nerve endings in the teeth are activated, a slight twinge can be felt when consuming hot, cold or sweet foods and drinks.

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What are the long term consequences of acid erosion?

People typically do not become aware of erosion until it has reached an advanced stage. To detect it in its early stages will often require a detailed dental examination.

The later stages of acid erosion can include:

• Transparency

Teeth may appear slightly transparent near their biting edges

• Advanced Discolouration

Teeth may show a darker yellow appearance due to the exposed dentine showing through

• Cracks

Small cracks and roughness may be present at the edges of the teeth

• Severe Sensitivity

As dentine continues to become exposed over time, patients can suffer from a severe case of sensitive teeth

• Cupping

Small dents may appear on the chewing surface of the teeth – at this stage any fillings may appear to rise up

In the long-term the effects of acid erosion may require dental treatment in order to protect the tooth and the dentine underneath. A dentist may decide to place a bonded filling, a veneer or a crown to restore the tooth to its former colour and shape. In extreme cases, the damage caused by acid erosion may result in extraction of the tooth.

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How quickly can the effects of acid erosion occur?

There have been extreme instances where enamel has been stripped from teeth in a period of six-months, but this is extreme.

There are many factors however which contribute to the progression of acid erosion, most notably the frequency and concentration of the acids in contact with the teeth and the volume and defence of an individual’s saliva. Everyone’s lifestyles, consumption habits and teeth are different and all can affect the rate at which acid erosion affects teeth.

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Acid Erosion: Those Affected

How many people are affected by acid erosion?

In October 2005, 91% of UK dentists reported seeing cases of acid erosion on a weekly basis.

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Is the number of people affected by acid erosion increasing?

Yes, the number of people showing signs of acid erosion is rising due to the number of people keeping their natural teeth for longer, combined with the acidity in the modern diet.

In the 20th Century, dental diseases, for example tooth decay and gum disease, were widespread. This greatly affected the life span of teeth and meant that the majority did not retain their teeth for life.

Improved oral hygiene and restorative treatments have extended the life span of teeth in the 21st Century. However, as teeth are lasting longer they are subject to the effects of wear, particularly from acids and tooth brushing over a longer time period.

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Who is most likely to be affected by acid erosion?

Experts agree that nearly everybody with natural teeth will develop some signs of acid erosion.

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Can children have acid erosion?

Milk teeth are very much at risk from acid erosion because they are less mineralised and therefore the enamel is softer than adult teeth to begin with. Therefore great care should be taken with the acidic content of a child’s diet.

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Is it true that acid erosion is something that people should not worry about until they are older?

No because experts agree that nearly everybody with natural teeth will develop some signs of acid erosion.

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Acid Erosion: Prevention

What can be done to help prevent acid erosion?

To help protect your teeth against the effects of dietary acids, there are several steps that can be taken:

• Avoid brushing teeth immediately after consuming acidic food or drinks as this is when the enamel is at its softest. It is best to brush teeth before meals or wait as long as possible after eating
• Drink acidic drinks quickly – don’t swish them around or hold them for prolonged periods within your mouth. Or consider using a straw placed towards the back of the mouth
• Brush teeth gently, but thoroughly, with a medium soft toothbrush
• Have regular dental check-ups and talk to a dental professional about any concerns
• Brush twice a day, every day, with a toothpaste like Sensodyne Pronamel to help re-harden tooth enamel

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Can acid erosion be reversed?

Once the damage has been done it cannot be reversed. In the advanced stages of acid erosion there is likely to be a need for expensive and complicated dentistry to restore teeth to normal function. This is why understanding the problem and taking steps to minimise risk is so important.

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Acid Erosion: a modern phenomenon?

Why is acid erosion only now becoming a problem?

In the 20th Century, dental diseases, for example tooth decay and gum disease, were widespread. This greatly affected the life span of teeth and meant that the majority did not retain their teeth for life.

Improved oral hygiene and restorative treatments have extended the life span of teeth in the 21st Century. However, as teeth are lasting longer they are subject to the effects of wear, particularly from acids and tooth brushing for prolonged time periods.

What is more, people’s expectations have changed and today they expect to keep their teeth healthy and looking good for longer.

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How long have dentists known acid erosion is a problem?

Dentists learn about acid erosion resulting in tooth wear at dental school, however in the past they will have encountered it less frequently. Now, as teeth are being retained for longer, dentists are increasingly seeing signs of acid erosion and are beginning to become aware of the problem it poses in the 21st Century. As such they are having to be increasingly vigilant to look out for early stages of the condition.

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Sensodyne^® Pronamel^®

How does Sensodyne Pronamel protect teeth from acid erosion?

Sensodyne Pronamel has been specifically formulated to help protect teeth from the effects of acid erosion. It works in a number of ways:

• It helps to re-harden enamel, making it more resistant to further acid attack
• It has low abrasivity to limit further enamel wear during the process of toothbrushing
• It is pH neutral (non-acidic) to be kind to tooth enamel
• It is specially formulated for people with sensitive teeth – which can be a sign and a symptom of acid erosion

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How often do I need to use Sensodyne Pronamel for it to be effective?

Sensodyne Pronamel should be used twice a day, every day, in place of your regular toothpaste. It will immediately begin to help protect teeth from further acid erosion.

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Does Sensodyne Pronamel repair tooth enamel?

Once tooth enamel is lost, it cannot be replaced. However Sensodyne Pronamel can help re-harden tooth enamel that has been softened, to help protect your teeth against further acid erosion.

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Do I need to use a regular toothpaste alongside Sensodyne Pronamel?

No, Sensodyne Pronamel is a new toothpaste that provides all the benefits of a regular toothpaste: contains fluoride to fight cavities, freshens breath and cleans teeth. For maximum effectiveness, Sensodyne Pronamel should be used twice a day, every day, in place of your regular toothpaste.

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Does Sensodyne Pronamel do everything my normal toothpaste will?

Yes, Sensodyne Pronamel provides all the benefits of a regular toothpaste. As well as helping to protect teeth against acid erosion, it contains fluoride to fight cavities, freshens breath and cleans teeth.

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Are there any side effects from using Sensodyne Pronamel?

There are no unusual side-effects but as with other toothpastes, if irritation occurs discontinue use of Sensodyne Pronamel.

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