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.