Tooth Erosion: Causes, Symptoms, Prevention and Treatments

Understanding how dental erosion develops, recognising its symptoms, and knowing the steps to prevent and treat it are also helpful for long-term dental health.

At Oasis Dental Studio, our dentists see many patients across the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Melbourne and Pottsville who are experiencing a variety of dental health concerns, including tooth enamel erosion.

What Is Tooth Erosion?

Tooth erosion, also called dental erosion, refers to the wearing away of tooth enamel due to acid. Enamel is the hard, protective outer coating of the tooth, and while it is one of the strongest materials in the human body, it is not indestructible.

Once erosion exposes the underlying dentine, the tooth becomes more vulnerable to sensitivity, cavities, cracks, and further wear.

Unlike mechanical wear, such as tooth grinding, erosion is caused by chemical processes. The acids responsible for erosion can come from dietary sources, gastric reflux, or environmental exposure. Over time, the enamel surface becomes thinner, smoother, and in severe cases, hollowed or pitted.

Causes of Tooth Enamel Erosion

Dental erosion is always linked to acid exposure, but the source of the acid varies between individuals. Identifying the cause is important for managing the problem as effectively as possible, with the right treatment approach. Sometimes, someone may have experienced multiple of these causes, which will be carefully considered during the dental assessment process.

Dietary acids

A common cause is the regular consumption of acidic food and drinks. Beverages like soft drinks, sports drinks, energy drinks and fruit juices can weaken enamel. Frequent snacking on citrus fruits, tomatoes, or vinegar-based foods also contributes. It’s not only what you consume, but also how often. Small, repeated exposures to acid throughout the day can be more damaging than occasional intake.

Gastroesophageal reflux

Medical conditions like acid reflux or gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) can cause stomach acid to reach the mouth. This acid is far more corrosive than dietary acids and can severely damage teeth over time. Those with reflux-related erosion often see the wear on the inner (palatal) surfaces of their teeth.

Dry mouth (xerostomia)

Saliva acts as a natural buffer, helping to neutralise acids and wash them away. If you have a dry mouth due to medication, dehydration, or medical conditions, your teeth can be at greater risk of dental erosion.

Environmental factors

Occupational exposure can also contribute to the exposure of acidic materials. Those who work in environments where acidic vapours are present, such as certain chemical industries, may experience erosion. Competitive swimmers who spend long hours in chlorinated pools may also notice enamel loss if pool water chemistry is not balanced.

Symptoms of Tooth Erosion

Dental erosion often develops slowly, which means symptoms may be subtle at first. Over time, however, the effects become more noticeable both to you and to your dentist.

Once you do begin to notice physical symptoms, these can include:

Tooth sensitivity

You may notice discomfort or sharp pain when eating or drinking hot, cold, or sweet foods or drinks. This can occur when the dentine becomes exposed, as the enamel thins.

Discolouration

As enamel wears away, the yellowish dentine underneath becomes more visible, making teeth appear darker or more yellow.

Rounded edges

Teeth may develop a smooth, rounded appearance, especially at the biting edges.

Transparency

In some cases, the edges of the front teeth begin to look slightly translucent.

Indentations

Small dents or cupping can form on the chewing surfaces, particularly of the molars.

Changes in shape

Teeth may look shorter, thinner, or uneven. In advanced stages, cracks or chips become more common.

Increased wear

Eroded teeth are more vulnerable to mechanical wear from chewing or grinding.

Since erosion doesn’t always cause pain until it’s advanced, regular check-ups are important for early detection. Dentists can often spot signs of erosion before you feel them.

Stages of Tooth Erosion

Dental erosion progresses in stages, each marked by increasing damage to enamel and dentine.

Early stage

Minor changes occur, such as loss of surface shine and slight sensitivity. Teeth may feel smoother than normal. These changes are quite easy to miss without a dental examination.

Moderate stage

Enamel becomes thinner, and dentine begins to show through. Sensitivity increases, and teeth may appear more yellow. The edges of teeth may start to look rounded.

Advanced stage

Significant enamel is lost, exposing large areas of dentine. Teeth may become visibly shorter, chipped, or pitted. Pain is often more frequent, and function may be affected.

Severe stage

At this point, dental erosion compromises the tooth’s structure. Large sections of enamel are missing, dentine is heavily exposed, and teeth may fracture easily. Restorative treatment becomes essential to preserve function.

How to Prevent Tooth Enamel Erosion

Prevention is always better than treatment, and in the case of erosion, it often comes down to everyday habits.

Adjust your diet

Limiting acidic food and drinks is one of the most effective steps. If you enjoy fruit juice or soft drinks, try to consume them with meals rather than between them. Using a straw can also help keep acids away from your teeth.

Wait 30 minutes before brushing your teeth

Avoid brushing immediately after consuming acidic products. Acid softens enamel, and brushing straight away can worsen the wear. Waiting at least 30 minutes allows saliva to neutralise the acid.

Improve your hydration levels

Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help rinse acids and stimulate saliva flow. Rinsing with water after eating or drinking acidic foods is also helpful.

Support saliva production

Chewing sugar-free gum can help stimulate saliva, which naturally protects teeth by neutralising acid.

Manage medical conditions

If you have acid reflux or another condition that increases acid exposure, it will be helpful to work with your doctor alongside your dentist. Addressing the underlying issue helps protect your teeth in a comprehensive approach.

Routine dental care

Regular check-ups and professional cleans allow your dentist to detect erosion early, as well as advise you on protective strategies before more significant tooth damage occurs.

Treatments for Tooth Enamel Erosion

The treatment of tooth erosion depends on how advanced the condition is. In its earliest stages, lifestyle changes and protective measures may be enough. In more severe cases, restorative treatment may be necessary.

Fluoride treatments

Topical fluoride can help strengthen enamel and reduce sensitivity. Dentists may apply stronger fluoride gels or varnishes during check-ups.

Bonding and fillings

For areas where dentine is exposed, composite bonding or tooth-coloured fillings can be used to protect the surface.

Crowns and veneers

In advanced cases where large portions of enamel are lost, crowns or veneers may be recommended. These restore the function and shape of the tooth while protecting the remaining structure.

Custom mouthguards

If tooth grinding is contributing to erosion, a night mouthguard may be prescribed to reduce mechanical wear. Mouthguards are personalised and made to fit your teeth comfortably.

Treating underlying causes

Whether the cause of tooth enamel erosion is due to frequently consuming acidic foods or a specific health condition, such as acid reflux, it will be important to make sure that it is addressed. You may need to mindfully adjust your diet, or seek the help of a doctor or specialist to help manage your health condition.

When to See a Dentist

Since erosion is often painless in the early stages, it can go unnoticed until significant damage has already occurred. You should see a dentist if you notice any of the following:

Sensitivity that lingers after eating or drinking
Visible changes in tooth shape, edges, or colour
Translucent or thinning enamel
Indentations on chewing surfaces
Any cracks or chips that appear without a clear cause

At Oasis Dental Studio in the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Melbourne and Pottsville, our dentists can assess the extent of erosion and recommend treatments suited to your needs.

Managing Tooth Erosion in the Longer Term

If you’ve already developed dental erosion, managing it in the longer-term requires a combination of professional care and everyday adjustments.

Following your dentist’s advice on fluoride use, protective restorations, and dietary habits can help prevent further progression. Maintaining regular check-ups ensures that any new erosion is caught early, reducing the need for more invasive treatment later.

Tooth erosion is often manageable with the right support. Many patients continue to enjoy their normal diet and lifestyle once they’ve made a few adjustments. Protecting enamel becomes a matter of balance, particularly reducing risk factors while maintaining good oral hygiene.

Get in Touch

Tooth enamel erosion is a gradual but serious dental problem caused by repeated acid exposure. While it can begin subtly, it often leads to sensitivity, visible changes, and weakened teeth if ignored.

Dental erosion can be slowed, managed, and treated with the right combination of preventive care and restorative dentistry.

At Oasis Dental Studio, we provide tailored treatment plans for patients across the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Melbourne and Pottsville, addressing both the cause and the effects of erosion. If you’re concerned about tooth sensitivity, changes in your enamel, or visible wear, arranging a dental check-up can make all the difference.