Acidic Erosion
Definition: Loss of tooth structure caused by acid exposure eroding the enamel.
Causes
 Intrinsic - acid reflux, bulimia, GERD and frequent vomiting
Extrinsic – frequent consumption of foods and beverages with high acidic content. Check out the
acidity levels of common items here!
Symptoms:
 Thin enamel
 Rough ridges or ledges on surfaces of enamel
 Shiny surfaces
 Cupping or divots on occlusal surfaces
 Incisal edges of the teeth become grooved and chipped, exposing underlying dentin
 Incisal chipping on the teeth, which may appear darker/more yellow as dentin is exposed
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Treatment:
The key here is prevention and management. Keep the acidity level of your mouth as close to neutral as
possible by minimizing length and frequency of exposure with any acidic drinks and foods.
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Identify your risk factors.
Avoid or reduce frequent intake of acidic beverages
Use a straw when drinking to minimize acid contact with tooth surfaces.
Select beverages containing calcium, phosphate or fluoride, and rinse with water or drink milk
after acid exposure in order to lessen erosive attacks.
Use dentifrices with a high fluoride concentration to strengthen enamel surfaces and low
abrasiveness levels: MI paste, Prevident toothpaste, Sensodyne Pronamel toothpastes.
Avoid tooth brushing immediately after acid exposure; wait at least 30 minutes to allow the tooth
surface recovery from acid attacks.
Chew sugarless gum
If you think you may suffer from acid reflux, bulimia or GERD, see your primary care physician
for diagnosis and treatment options.
Strobel Dentistry, Ltd.
25 E. Washington St., Ste. 1917, Chicago, IL, 60602
(312) 726-3135 : www.strobeldentistry.com : strobeldentistry@live.com