Dental erosion is characterized by the erosion of enamel, the protective layer covering the teeth. This process is caused by several factors, including eating habits, alcohol consumption and other conditions, and can have consequences that go far beyond aesthetics.
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), in the United States, erosion can occur in individuals of any age. An analysis highlighted by the ADA estimates that the global prevalence of dental erosion in children’s teeth ranges from 30% to 50%; In permanent teeth in adults, it can reach 45%.
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Teeth naturally go through cycles of remineralization and demineralization. When acidity is excessive, the loss of minerals—such as calcium, phosphate, and fluoride—beyond compensation, setting the stage for visible and uncomfortable damage.
“The main symptoms of this process are a change in tooth color, where the loss of enamel leaves the structure underneath exposed, dentin that tends to be darker, and increased tooth sensitivity, which can cause an unpleasant sensation when a person eats something too cold, smiles a lot or breathes more intensely,” explains dental surgeon Leticia Pezzinelli, coordinator of postgraduate studies in dentistry at the Albert Einstein College of Health Sciences Israel (Ficsae). In more serious cases, the teeth become opaque and translucent at the edges and have cracks.
Certain habits, such as teeth grinding, using highly abrasive toothpastes, using soft-bristled brushes and brushing too vigorously, can worsen the condition. Recommendations for erosion control are individualized, after evaluation by a dentist. “Only in this way will risk factors be identified and reversed,” Pezzinelli points out.
behind corrosion
This damage to tooth enamel can have internal causes (from the body itself) or extrinsic causes (external to the body). In internal conditions, erosion results from the entry of stomach acids into the oral cavity with a frequency, duration, or intensity that exceeds the protective ability provided by saliva or other measures. According to the ADA, this process is harmful when it occurs several times a week over a long period of time.
Among the problems that lead to this condition are gastroesophageal reflux, bulimia nervosa (a condition in which a person causes vomiting) and chronic alcoholism. For pregnant women, there is evidence, according to the ADA, that hyperemesis gravidarum, which causes prolonged nausea and vomiting, also increases the risk.
Factors of external origin include nutritional, lifestyle, environmental and even occupational aspects. Consumption of acidic drinks is the main cause. According to the ADA, a growing body of evidence suggests that the main predisposing factor to external tooth erosion is frequent consumption of soft drinks, sports drinks, and fruit juices with low pH values (2.0-3.5).
These factors also increase longevity among the population. “Increasing life expectancy also means that teeth remain in the mouth longer, exposed to mechanical stress – such as wear caused by chewing and the habit of clenching or grinding teeth – and thermal stress caused by temperature differences between hot and cold foods and drinks,” warns dentist Camilo Anoat Neto, member of the Technical Chamber of Dentistry of the Regional Dental Council of São Paulo (CROSP).
Do you have a treatment?
When the condition is already established, the therapeutic approach depends on the level and severity of dental injury. “Many procedures focus on reducing the symptoms of the problem, such as sensitivity, but it is important to remember that this is a multifactorial condition,” notes dentist João Gabriel S. Souza, assistant professor of dentistry at Ficsae.
In more advanced cases, the dentist can use resin to make a restoration and restore lost structure to the tooth. But the ideal is to always act before wear and tear gets worse. Therefore, an annual evaluation is essential – it is through this consultation that possible changes are detected early, avoiding more complex treatments and ensuring dental health and longevity.
Care in practice
Below, check out some habits that can help reduce the risk of tooth erosion:
- Reducing intake of acidic drinks;
- Avoid keeping these liquids in your mouth for a long time, or swish them around or take them before bed, as the flow of saliva decreases during sleep.
- When eating, it is preferable to use a straw and place it behind the front teeth to reduce direct contact with them.
- Drink water during a meal or rinse your mouth with water after consuming acidic liquids, sweets, and foods in general.
- Do not brush your teeth immediately after drinking acidic drinks. When brushing your teeth, use a soft brush and do not scrub hard.
- Use toothpastes that contain fluoride and avoid those that are considered abrasive, that is, those that contain substances such as calcium pyrophosphate, silica, and aluminum oxide;
- After vomiting, rinse your mouth with water.
- If you are used to chewing gum, choose sugar-free gum. But be careful: Although this practice helps increase saliva flow, it may also interfere with digestion.
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