A second major cause of tooth wear is acid erosion. Erosion of the tooth structures by acid occurs when the acid demineralizes the enamel and dentin and then the demineralized and weakened tooth surfaces are rubbed away by the toothbrush, the tongue, the cheek, the opposing teeth, and food.
Erosion of tooth structure is preventable and the dental team can advise patients on how to slow down and stop the erosion process. (For more dental info, visit my website at www.lajolldental.com)
The two sources of acid that causes erosion of the teeth are ingested acids in food and drinks and internal digestive acids that are regurgitated into the mouth. The position on the teeth of the erosion will tell us if it is ingested acid or internal acid. Ingested acid, coming into the mouth from the front, will erode away the fronts of the teeth and the biting surfaces of the teeth. Internal acids by comparison, enter the mouth from the esophagus and cause erosion on the back side of the front teeth and the biting surfaces of the teeth.
