Enamel Erosion: Causes and How to Protect Your Teeth | Mint Hill Smiles

Enamel is the hard, protective outer layer of your teeth and the hardest substance in the human body.

Enamel erosion is the gradual wearing away of that surface by acid. Because enamel does not regenerate, once it is lost it is gone for good, which makes prevention especially important.

What Causes Enamel Erosion

Enamel erosion is caused by acid, and the acid comes from several sources. Dietary acid from sodas, sports drinks, citrus, wine, and other acidic foods and drinks is a major contributor. Acid reflux brings stomach acid into the mouth. Frequent vomiting from certain conditions exposes teeth to acid. Dry mouth reduces the saliva that would normally neutralize acid. Even brushing immediately after consuming something acidic, while the enamel is temporarily softened, can accelerate wear.

Signs of Enamel Erosion

As enamel thins, you may notice increased sensitivity to hot, cold, and sweet, teeth that look yellower as the darker layer beneath shows through, teeth that appear shiny or smooth, rounded or worn edges, and small dents on the chewing surfaces. Erosion tends to be gradual, so the changes are easy to miss until they are significant.

How to Protect Your Enamel

Because lost enamel cannot be restored, protecting what you have is the goal. Limit acidic foods and drinks, rinse with water after consuming them, use a straw for acidic beverages, wait at least 30 minutes after eating acidic foods before brushing, use a soft-bristled brush, and use fluoride to strengthen the enamel you have. If acid reflux is a factor, addressing it with your physician protects your teeth. Where erosion has caused significant damage, we can restore worn teeth with bonding, crowns, or other restorations.

Call (704) 323-7577 to have your enamel evaluated.

FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can enamel grow back?

No. Enamel does not regenerate, so once it is lost to erosion it cannot grow back. This is why prevention is so important. Fluoride can strengthen and help remineralize weakened enamel, but it cannot replace enamel that is already gone.

What foods and drinks cause enamel erosion?

Acidic foods and drinks are the main culprits: sodas, sports drinks, citrus fruits and juices, wine, and similar items. Limiting them, rinsing with water afterward, and using a straw for acidic drinks all help protect your enamel.

Why shouldn't I brush right after eating something acidic?

Acid temporarily softens enamel. Brushing while it is softened can wear it away faster. Waiting at least 30 minutes after acidic foods or drinks before brushing gives the enamel time to reharden.

How is enamel erosion treated?

Treatment focuses on stopping further erosion through diet changes, fluoride, and addressing causes like acid reflux. Where erosion has caused significant damage, worn teeth can be restored with bonding, crowns, or other restorations.

Ready for some answers?

We serve patients from Mint Hill, Matthews, Indian Trail, Stallings, Weddington, Midland, Albemarle, and southeast Charlotte, NC. We accept most major insurance plans including Delta Dental, Aetna, Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and United Healthcare. If you do not have insurance, our Brush365 membership plan was built for you.

Call (704) 323-7577 or visit minthillsmiles.dentist to book your first appointment. We are at 11300 Cresthill Drive, Suite 105, Mint Hill, NC 28227.