Our assessment of the need or treatment is unfortunately experiencing high demand. To help reduce the backlog, the national telephone service for general health and mental health will temporarily operate with exceptional opening hours from 8 am to 11 am. The chat services in YTHSDigi remain available during normal opening hours: Monday to Thursday from 8 am to 3 pm and Friday from 8 am to 2 pm. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
The oral health chat in YTHSDigi will operate with exceptional opening hours: Mon to Thu from 8 am to 11 am and from 12 pm to 2 pm, and on Fri from 8 am to 11 am and from 12 pm to 1 pm. Our oral health service phone line will operate as usual: Mon to Thu from 8 am to 3 pm, on Fri from 8 am to 2 pm.

Tooth erosion

Tooth erosion is chemical wear of the teeth where tooth enamel is dissolved by acids. Tooth erosion is caused particularly by acidic drinks and foods as well as by gastric fluid travelling upwards and entering the mouth due to reflux or eating disorders. Causes are often diverse and often associated with lifestyle, such as irregular eating patterns or consumption of acidic drinks. Grinding your teeth also increases the erosion of softened tooth enamel.

The image below illustrates the pH values of different foods. Most juices, soft drinks, sports and energy drinks, flavoured still and sparkling waters, and alcoholic beverages are bad for your teeth. Foods that may cause tooth erosion include vinegar-containing canned foods, fruit-flavoured sweets, most fruits and berries, vinegar-containing salad dressings and sauces, such as ketchup.

This is how erosion shows on your teeth

In the mouth, tooth erosion can be seen and felt as changes to the shininess of the enamel, chipping and cracking of the tips of the front teeth, dentine exposure, tooth sensitivity and sensitivity to pain and, as the erosion progresses, malocclusion.

How to prevent tooth erosion

  • Drink water when thirsty and avoid acidic drinks.
  • Eat 3–6 times a day and avoid snacking.
  • If you consume acidic foods or drinks, do so with meals.
  • Brush your teeth twice a day using fluoride toothpaste.

Acidic foods and drinks should be consumed with meals, and always in moderation (no more than 3 to 4 times a day). Remember that even healthy products can harm your teeth if you keep eating them throughout the day. Non-essential acidic products, such as energy drinks, soft drinks and juices, should be reserved for special occasions. When eating acidic foods, it’s a good idea to eat something containing calcium to neutralize the acid.

In terms of treatment, the key is to stop tooth erosion as early as possible. Ask your dentist whether there are signs of erosion in your teeth if this is not mentioned during your appointment.