Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris

Dental erosion in Glen Iris – Are you washing away your teeth?

  • Dental Erosion and Acidic Drinks

    When acids come into contact with your teeth, the enamel and dentine can gradually soften and dissolve. This process is known as dental erosion. Over time, dental erosion can lead to tooth wear, increased sensitivity, and even tooth loss if left untreated.

    Causes of Dental Erosion

    Many common drinks are acidic and can damage teeth when consumed frequently. Acidic drinks weaken the protective enamel layer, making your teeth more prone to decay, sensitivity, and discoloration. The acidity of a drink is measured by its pH level — the lower the pH, the higher the acid content and the greater the risk to your teeth.

    Early Signs of Dental Erosion

    Look for the following warning signs:

    • Teeth appearing more yellow as enamel thins and dentine becomes visible

    • A smooth or glazed look on tooth surfaces

    • Sensitivity to temperature or sweetness

    • Transparent or thinning edges of the front teeth

    If you notice these changes, schedule an appointment with your dentist. Early detection and treatment can slow down or prevent further damage.

    Acidic Drinks and Their pH Levels

    The table below shows examples of popular drinks and their acidity levels. Drinks with a pH between 1 and 5 are highly acidic and can cause dental erosion if consumed often.

    pH Example Drink Acid Content (Source: Choice, July 2010)
    1 Stomach acid
    2 Lemon juice 2.45 Pepsi, 2.53 Coca-Cola, 2.80 Cottee’s Lemon Crush, 2.85 Cottee’s Diet Cordial No Added Sugar, 2.85 Pepsi Max, 2.9 Sunnyboy Glug Cola
    3 Vinegar 3.00 Glaceau Vitamin Water Triple-X, 3.07 Staminade Lemon Lime Fusion, 3.07 Coca-Cola Zero, 3.09 Fanta Orange, 3.14 Pop Tops Apple Blackcurrant Drink, 3.36 Gatorade Fierce Grape, 3.46 V Energy, 3.50 V Energy Sugar Free, 3.50 Golden Circle Sunshine Punch, 3.51 Red Bull, 3.61 Golden Circle Juice No Added Sugar
    4 Tomato juice 4.04 Berri Low Acid Orange Juice
    5 Rainwater
    6 Milk 6.70 Sanitarium Up and Go Banana & Honey
    7 Pure water Neutral pH

    How to Prevent Dental Erosion

    Protect your teeth from acid wear with these practical tips:

    • Limit consumption of soft drinks, fruit juices, and sports drinks

    • Rinse with water after having acidic beverages

    • Wait at least 30–60 minutes before brushing your teeth after consuming acidic foods or drinks

    • Use fluoride toothpaste to strengthen enamel

    • Chew sugar-free gum to increase saliva flow and neutralise acids

    • Visit your dentist for regular dental check-ups and professional fluoride treatments

    When to See Dr. Kaufman

    If you regularly consume any of the acidic drinks listed above or notice signs of enamel wear, visit Dr. Kaufman for a professional assessment. After a thorough examinaion, Dr. Kaufman can provide tailored advice, preventive care, and protective treatments to help manage dental erosion.

Dental Erosion- Acidic drinks and food in Glen Iris

Dental Erosion: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention

Dental erosion, also known as erosive tooth wear, occurs when acid dissolves the surface of the tooth. This leads to thinning of the enamel, which weakens the tooth and causes sensitivity. When the enamel layer wears away, the softer dentine beneath becomes exposed and dissolves even faster in acid. Preventing dental erosion is key to maintaining strong, healthy teeth.

Where Does the Acid Come From?

The acid that causes dental erosion usually comes from the food and drinks we consume. Common sources of dietary acids include:

  • Soft drinks

  • Energy drinks and sports drinks

  • Vinegar and pickled foods

  • Citrus fruits and fruit juices

  • Fruit-flavoured teas (e.g. lemon, peach, rosehip)

  • Cordial and alcoholic drinks

  • Sour lollies and chewy sweets

  • Chewable Vitamin C tablets and effervescent medications

Even sugar-free drinks can be damaging if they are high in acid. Common acidic ingredients to look out for include:

  • Citric acid (food acidity regulator 330)

  • Sodium citrate (regulator 331)

  • Malic acid (preservative 296)

  • Ascorbic acid (vitamin C additive 300)

  • Fruit juice concentrate

Acid from the stomach can also cause dental erosion, especially in people with vomiting, reflux, or conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), bulimia, anorexia, or pregnancy-related morning sickness.

What Else Increases the Risk of Dental Erosion?

Low saliva flow, or dry mouth, increases susceptibility to acid damage. Saliva helps wash away and neutralise acids in the mouth. Conditions and habits that can reduce saliva include:

  • Certain medications or multiple medicines taken together

  • Head and neck radiotherapy

  • Stress and anxiety

  • Autoimmune conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome

  • Smoking

  • Diabetes

How to Prevent Dental Erosion

You can protect your teeth from acid damage with a few simple habits:

  • Limit acidic foods and drinks, especially between meals

  • Only have acidic beverages at meal times when saliva levels are higher

  • Avoid holding acidic drinks in your mouth; swallow them quickly

  • Eat low-acid fruits such as bananas, melons, pears, and papayas instead of fruit juices

  • Chill acidic drinks, as warmer liquids cause more erosion

  • After acidic foods, vomiting, or reflux, rinse your mouth with water, milk, or a fluoride mouth rinse

  • Visit your Dr. Daniel Kaufman to check for underlying medical conditions that may increase acid exposure

Brushing and Dental Care Tips

Good oral hygiene remains vital. Traditionally, people were advised to wait 30–60 minutes before brushing after acid exposure, but new research shows this delay may not help enamel repair. Instead, focus on consistent, gentle daily care:

  • Brush twice a day using fluoride toothpaste

  • Use a soft toothbrush and gentle circular motions

  • Rinse your mouth with water, milk, or fluoride mouthwash after acid exposure

  • Consider a toothpaste with stannous fluoride (SnF₂), as it provides greater resistance against acid wear

This information is based on guidelines from the Australian Dental Association (ADA) Victoria Branch, October 2018.

Sugary Drinks and Your Health: Choose Water Instead

Tap water is the best and most affordable way to stay hydrated while protecting your teeth. Choosing water instead of sugary or acidic drinks helps prevent dental erosion, cavities, and other chronic health issues.

The Risks of Sugary Drinks

  • One 600 ml bottle of soft drink can contain up to 16 teaspoons of sugar

  • Drinking one can of soft drink a day can add up to 6.5 kilograms of weight gain in a year

  • Sugar and acid together increase the risk of tooth decay and erosion

  • Overconsumption of sugary drinks raises the risk of heart disease, kidney disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and some cancers

Tips to Drink More Water and Fewer Sugary Drinks

  • Ask for tap or sparkling water when dining out

  • Carry a reusable water bottle

  • Keep a glass of water nearby throughout the day

  • Choose tap water during and after exercise instead of sports drinks

  • Drink plain milk, or tea and coffee without added sugar

  • Save money from skipping sugary drinks to enjoy other activities

The World Health Organization recommends consuming no more than seven teaspoons (27.5 g) of added sugar per day—equivalent to 5% of your total energy intake—to reduce the risk of tooth decay, obesity, and chronic diseases.