Guide to Tooth Erosion

The following guide can help with spotting Tooth Erosion early, understanding what causes it, and knowing what to do next—before small changes turn into bigger repairs.

 

What Is Tooth Erosion?

Tooth Erosion is when acid wears away the hard outer layer of your tooth (enamel). It’s different from tooth decay:

  • Tooth erosion: acid dissolves enamel.
  • Tooth decay: bacteria in plaque make acid from sugar and damage the tooth.

When enamel thins, teeth can feel sensitive, look more yellow, and chip more easily.

How to Tell If You Have Tooth Erosion

Watch for these common signs:

  • Sensitivity to cold, hot, sweet, or sour foods/drinks
  • Teeth looking more yellow (the layer under enamel shows through)
  • Smooth, shiny areas on teeth (especially near the gumline)
  • Thin or see-through edges on front teeth
  • Small chips, rough edges, or “worn” spots
  • Teeth that feel different when you bite together

If you notice one or more of these, it’s worth acting early—small changes are easier to manage than advanced wear.

What Causes Tooth Erosion?

Tooth erosion is usually about how often your teeth meet acid (not just how strong the acid is).

Acid from food and drinks

  • Soft drinks, sports drinks, energy drinks
  • Citrus (lemons, limes, oranges), vinegar-based foods
  • “Sipping all day” habits (the frequency matters)

Acid from the stomach

  • Reflux/heartburn (GERD)
  • Frequent vomiting (including from illness or other medical causes)

Dry mouth

Saliva helps protect enamel. When saliva is low (from dehydration, mouth breathing, or some medications), enamel is more exposed—similar to how dry mouth increases risk in other dental problems.

Brushing timing and technique

  • Brushing hard can speed up wear when enamel is softened by acid
  • Brushing right after acidic foods/drinks can be rough on softened enamel

Who’s at Higher Risk?

You may be at higher risk of Tooth Erosion if you:

  • Sip acidic drinks throughout the day
  • Have reflux/heartburn symptoms
  • Have dry mouth or breathe through your mouth often
  • Grind/clench your teeth (wear adds up faster)
  • Already have sensitivity or visible tooth wear

Stages of Tooth Erosion (At a Glance)

  1. Early enamel softening – teeth may look shinier; mild sensitivity can start
  2. Enamel thinning – more sensitivity; edges look thinner/clearer
  3. Dentine exposure – teeth look more yellow; wear speeds up
  4. Structural damage – chipping, cracking, bite changes, and higher chance of needing major restorations

How to Prevent Tooth Erosion

At home

  • Keep acids to mealtimes (less “acid time” on teeth)
  • Sip water between meals—especially after acidic food/drinks
  • Wait before brushing after acidic drinks/foods (give enamel time to re-harden)
  • Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste using a soft brush and gentle pressure
  • Clean between teeth daily (floss or interdental brushes)
  • If you get reflux symptoms, consider speaking with your GP (because stomach acid is a common driver of erosion)

In the clinic

  • Regular check-ups to spot early wear patterns
  • Professional scale and cleans to help keep the mouth healthier overall and catch changes early
  • Preventative dentistry support (fluoride options, sensitivity management, and personalised coaching—similar to how Choice approaches early decay prevention)
Guide to Tooth Erosion

Things You Can Do at Home If Erosion Has Started

If you’re already noticing early Tooth Erosion signs, focus on slowing it down:

  • Switch to a soft toothbrush and gentle technique
  • Use a sensitivity toothpaste consistently
  • Reduce how often you have acidic drinks (and avoid swishing them around)
  • Rinse with water after acidic foods/drinks
  • If you grind your teeth at night, note it—protecting worn enamel matters more when grinding is part of the picture

How Dentists Fix Tooth Erosion (By Severity)

Early erosion (no major shape loss)

  • Risk review (diet, habits, dryness, reflux clues)
  • Fluoride/sensitivity strategies as part of a preventative plan
  • Monitoring changes over time

Moderate erosion (worn edges or exposed areas)

  • Composite bonding to rebuild small worn or chipped areas (protects tooth“You” zones and improves comfort/appearance)
  • Conservative restorations to protect weak spots

Advanced erosion (shape loss or repeated chipping)

  • Inlays/onlays for moderate structural repair when a filling won’t hold well
  • Crowns when the tooth needs full-strength coverage and protection
  • Veneers in selected cases to rebuild worn front surfaces (often paired with bite planning)

If grinding is part of the cause

A custom night guard / bite splint can help protect teeth from ongoing wear.

When to Book an Appointment

Book in if you notice:

  • Sensitivity that’s new or getting worse
  • Teeth looking more yellow, thinner, or more “see-through”
  • Edges chipping more easily
  • You think reflux or dry mouth may be involved
  • You’re overdue for a check-up and want a clear plan

What to Do Next

  • Schedule an exam at Choice Dental.
  • Get a personalised plan to slow Tooth Erosion and protect your enamel.
  • Follow a simple daily routine that matches your risk factors.

If you want help early (before you need major repairs), this is exactly the right time to come in.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Tooth erosion is enamel worn by acid exposure. Tooth decay involves bacteria in plaque producing acid from sugars.

Early enamel softening can often be stabilised and protected. But once enamel is gone, it doesn’t grow back—so the goal is to stop progression and rebuild worn areas when needed.

It can contribute if you drink it frequently throughout the day—especially flavored sparkling waters. The bigger factor is frequency and how long your teeth are exposed.

Sensitivity can come from many causes. An exam helps confirm if Tooth Erosion is involved (or if it’s something else like gum recession or cracks).

We can protect teeth (fluoride, restorations, splints if grinding is involved) and help you reduce acid damage patterns—while you work with your GP on reflux control.

Not always. Many cases are managed with prevention and small repairs. Crowns are usually for advanced erosion where the tooth needs stronger coverage.

 Ready to Start?

If you are in the Browns Plains or Brisbane area and want to protect your teeth from Tooth Erosion (or fix wear that’s already started), book an appointment so we can map out the cleanest path forward. Contact Choice Dental in Browns Plains: (07) 3809-3320 or book online.