General Treatments

Tooth Erosion

Learn how to protect your enamel and maintain a healthy smile.

Tooth erosion is a common dental issue that involves the gradual wearing away of the enamel, the hard protective layer of your teeth. Unlike tooth decay, which is caused by plaque, tooth erosion occurs when acids directly attack the enamel, leading to its breakdown. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and prevention of tooth erosion is crucial for maintaining optimal oral health.

At Campos Dental, we help protect your enamel with strategies like fluoride treatments, advice on dietary changes, and tips for reducing acid exposure.

Causes of Tooth Erosion
Tooth erosion primarily occurs due to the frequent exposure of teeth to acidic substances. Common culprits include:

  • Acidic Foods and Drinks: Consuming beverages like fruit juices, fizzy drinks, and sports drinks, as well as acidic foods like citrus fruits, can weaken the enamel over time.

  • Medical Conditions: Conditions such as gastro-oesophageal reflux (GERD), bulimia, or any disorder that involves frequent vomiting can expose teeth to stomach acid, causing erosion.

  • Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): This condition leads to the mechanical wear of enamel, making teeth more vulnerable to acids.

  • Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): A reduction in saliva, which naturally neutralises acids, can increase the risk of erosion.

Preventing tooth erosion involves reducing exposure to acidic substances and protecting the enamel. Campos Dental offers advice on limiting acidic food and drink consumption, using fluoride toothpaste, and other measures to help maintain healthy teet
Early signs of tooth erosion include increased tooth sensitivity, discoloration, and surface indentations. At Campos Dental, we provide comprehensive assessments to detect these symptoms and recommend treatment to prevent further enamel loss.
Common causes of tooth erosion include frequent consumption of acidic foods and drinks, medical conditions like GERD, and teeth grinding. At Campos Dental, we help patients identify the causes and offer solutions to protect their enamel from further
Tooth erosion occurs when acids wear away the enamel, the protective layer of your teeth. At Campos Dental in Edgware, we focus on diagnosing and preventing tooth erosion to protect your teeth and maintain optimal oral health.

Symptoms of Tooth Erosion
Early signs of tooth erosion might not be immediately noticeable but can include:

  • Increased tooth sensitivity, especially to hot, cold, or sweet foods.

  • Discoloration as the dentine beneath the enamel becomes exposed.

  • Rounded or uneven edges of teeth.

  • Surface indentations known as “pitting.”

Prevention of Tooth Erosion
Preventing tooth erosion is all about reducing the exposure of your teeth to acidic substances and protecting the enamel:

  • Limit acidic foods and drinks to mealtimes and avoid frequent snacking on them.

  • Drink through a straw to minimise contact with teeth.

  • Use fluoride toothpaste to strengthen enamel.

  • Chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva production.

  • Wait at least 30 minutes after eating acidic foods before brushing your teeth.

Taking these preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of tooth erosion and help maintain a healthy smile.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact Campos dental in Edgware today.