Enamel Erosion Causes
Identifying some of the causes and mechanisms of enamel wear
Although enamel is harder than any other substance in the body, over time it can gradually wear away. Here we explore the causes and mechanisms of enamel wear.
Enamel erosion: demineralisation and remineralisation cycles
Enamel is equipped to respond to normal daily acid exposure. Brief periods of acid exposure trigger a demineralisation process that reduces the mineral density of the enamel surface, thereby weakening it.1,2Due to mineral-rich saliva, the enamel undergoes a natural process of remineralisation to restore its mineral density and the enamel is strengthened again.1,2Frequent exposure to acids, especially over long periods, can cause the remineralisation process to become overwhelmed, leaving enamel weakened. In this state, enamel is at risk of irreversible wear.1,2
Demineralisation and remineralisation after acid challenge
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5-minute acid challenge
Enamel demineralisation and remineralisation cycle after 5-minute acid challenge
In vitro SEM images of enamel cross-sections show variations in mineral density3
SEM, scanning electron microscope
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20-minute acid challenge
Enamel demineralisation and remineralisation cycle after 20-minute acid challenge
In vitro SEM images of enamel cross-sections show variations in mineral density3
SEM, scanning electron microscope
Enamel wear is a progressive condition
Enamel wear is most commonly caused by a combination of chemical agents and physical wear.
Dietary acidic exposure results in the loss of calcium ions from the enamel surface layer.4,5 This softens the tooth surface, leading to an increased susceptibility to mechanical abrasion such as tooth brushing.4,5
Attrition, abrasion, erosion and abfraction can all lead to enamel wear. Factors that increase the risk of enamel wear include:4–6
- Frequent consumption of acidic foods and drinks
- Dietary habits, such as swilling drinks or snacking
- Gastric reflux or frequent vomiting
- Tooth grinding (bruxism)
- Acidic medication
Infographic adapted from Lussi et al. 20064
Enamel erosion in patients is partly caused by the wearing effects of acidic food and drink
Modern diets bring increasing challenges to enamel7–9
Frequent intake of acidic or sugary foods reduces the mouth’s natural environment from a neutral pH of 7. This drop in pH becomes critical when it falls below a pH of about 5.5, leaving the teeth more at risk of enamel wear (acid erosion).7
Increasing the rise of enamel wear
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Acidic drinks8,9
Soft drinks
40% of people in the US drink soft drinks or fruit juice at least once daily (pH typically below 4)10
Great consumption of acidic soft drinks
Alcoholic drinks are generally acidic and were increasingly consumed (both more often and in larger volumes) between 2001–2002 and 2012–2013 in the US11
Smoothies
Many smoothies can have a pH below 5.512
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Enamel erosion causes frequent snacking8,9
From 1981 to 2011, people of all ages increased the number of times they ate acidic food per day13
In 2012, fruit juice consumption in the US was highest in those aged 18–34 years12
Sensodyne Pronamel – helping protect your patients against enamel erosion causes
Impact on patient quality of life
Find out about the impact enamel wear has on patients’ daily lives.
