For a better experience on crest.com, please enable JavaScript in your browser.
  • PART OF THE P&G FAMILY:
  • Oral B
  • dentalcare.com
  • P&G Good Everyday
USA - English
Please select a location
  • Canada - English
  • Canada - French
  • USA United - English English
Login   Register
LOG OUT CONFIRMATION
Would you like to logout now? LOG OUT
Contact Us
Crest
Search
  • TOOTHPASTE
  • WHITESTRIPS
  • MOUTHWASH
  • KIDS
  • LEARN
      • Why crest
      • Why Crest
      • Crest Toothpaste
      • Crest Whitestrips
      • Crest Mouthwash
      • Stannous Fluoride Protection
      • Oral Hygiene
      • Crest Recycling
      • FAQ
      • Crest Mouthwash Usage Guidelines
      • Conditions
      • Conditions
      • Bad Breath
      • Cavities & Tooth Decay
      • Gum Health
      • Plaque & Tartar
      • Teeth Sensitivity
      • Teeth Stains
      • Tooth Enamel
      • Toothache
      • Wisdom Teeth
      • Life Stages
      • Life Stages
      • Kids
      • Braces
      • Adults
      • Infants
      • Pregnancy
    • VIEW ALL ORAL CARE TOPICS
  • REWARDS
  • SHOP
    • View All Products
  • Toothpaste
    • View All Toothpaste Products
  • Mouthwash
      View All Mouthwash Products
  • Whitestrips
  • Sensitivity
    • View All Sensitivity Products
  • Kids
    • View All Kids Products
  • By Need
  • By Collection
  • Home >
  • HOME  > LEARN  > WHY CREST  >
    FAQ
    FAQ
    >
  • Enamel Erosion: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Print This

Enamel Erosion: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Once enamel erodes it cannot be restored. Learn about the common causes of enamel erosion and what you can do to strengthen your smile.

Recommended 0 times Recommend This

Email Thisemail

SHARE THIS BY EMAIL

Enamel Erosion: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Once enamel erodes it cannot be restored. Learn about the common causes of enamel erosion and what you can do to strengthen your smile.

THERE ARE (#) ERRORS ON THIS PAGE.
   
   
   
   
SEND
CANCEL

EMAIL SENT SUCCESSFULLY

Your email has been successfully sent to the recipient.

Continue


Enamel Erosion Causes
Enamel Erosion Symptoms
Enamel Erosion Treatment

The outermost layer of your tooth, the enamel, is responsible for ensuring your teeth stay protected from decay and sensitivity. However, most of us do experience some form of enamel loss, whether through erosion or abrasion.

Enamel Erosion Causes

Age, acids, and trauma can all cause tooth enamel to weaken. Common causes of enamel loss through abrasion include:

  • Brushing too hard: If too much pressure is applied to your teeth while you brush, the enamel begins to weaken and can be removed in the process. Avoid hard-bristled toothbrushes or switch to an electric toothbrush that helps you brush with just the right amount of pressure.
  • Toothpicks: It is usually not recommended to use a toothpick on your teeth to remove food particles. The scraping action can pick away not just leftover food but your enamel as well. To better clean between teeth, use floss instead.
  • Dental gear: Sometimes removing a retainer or partial denture can scrape against the outermost surface of your teeth, damaging your enamel. Be careful when removing retainers and dentures to avoid this issue.

Common causes of enamel erosion include:

  • Dietary acid exposure: Certain foods and drinks contain acids which weaken and erode enamel. Brush after eating or avoid foods high in acid.
  • Stomach acid: Acid reflux or vomiting releases stomach acids which then come in contact with your teeth. It is recommended to rinse with a fluoride mouthwash to neutralize acids prior to brushing, as brushing can sometimes spread these acids around your mouth rather than removing it.

Enamel Erosion Symptoms

Signs of enamel loss are not always obvious, but certain symptoms to look for include:

  • Sensitivity: When enamel erodes it exposes the dentin layer underneath. Once dentin is exposed, your tooth becomes more sensitive to hot and cold temperatures.
  • Rough surface: If your tooth suddenly has an indentation on the surface or if the edges are becoming rougher, then you may be in the early stages of tooth enamel loss.

Enamel Erosion Treatment

Once enamel erodes it cannot grow back, which is why the best treatment is often prevention.
Be sure to take proper care and follow a thorough oral care routine to strengthen enamel and remineralize it before it’s gone for good:

  • Brush your teeth with a fortifying toothpaste such as Crest Gum and Enamel Repair or Crest Pro-Health Enamel Shield. These toothpastes contain stannous fluoride, a remineralizing agent that forms a shield against acids, better removes plaque, reverses early signs of decay, and neutralizes bacteria below the gum line.
  • Nourish your enamel with a fluoride-infused mouthwash that’s designed to strengthen and rebuild weakened enamel.
  • Use an electric toothbrush with soft, end-rounded bristles which are tough on plaque but gentle on enamel.
  • Floss at least once a day to remove harmful plaque bacteria from in between teeth.
  • Keep up with your dental appointments for professional cleanings and checkups.

Tooth Enamel: Loss, Erosion, and Repair

Tooth enamel loss puts your teeth at risk of tooth decay. Learn about the signs to watch out for and how to treat enamel erosion.

Tooth enamel loss
Enamel Hypoplasia: Causes, Treatment & Prevention

Learn about the causes, treatments and prevention of Enamel Hypoplasia, an enamel deficiency that leaves the teeth vulnerable to damage and decay.

Crest article image enamel hypoplasia
Cavities and Tooth Decay: Symptoms, Causes and Treatments

Learn about the causes, symptoms, and ways you can prevent a cavity and tooth decay.

Cavities and Tooth Decay Symptoms Causes and Treatment 145x145

Related Articles

Tooth Enamel: Loss, Erosion, and Repair

Tooth enamel loss puts your teeth at risk of tooth decay. Learn about the signs to watch out for and how to treat enamel erosion.

Enamel Hypoplasia: Causes, Treatment & Prevention

Learn about the causes, treatments and prevention of Enamel Hypoplasia, an enamel deficiency that leaves the teeth vulnerable to damage and decay.

Cavities and Tooth Decay: Symptoms, Causes and Treatments

Learn about the causes, symptoms, and ways you can prevent a cavity and tooth decay.

Related Products

  • QUICK VIEW

    Crest Gum Care Mouthwash

    Alcohol-free formula reduces gum disease, inflammation, and bad breath germs.

    rating stars
    RatingStars on
    ( 56 )
  • QUICK VIEW

    Crest Gum & Enamel Repair Intensive Clean Toothpaste

    Targets the gum line to neutralize plaque bacteria and prevent gingivitis, while repairing weakened enamel.

    rating stars
    RatingStars on
    ( 137 )
  • Crest Pro-Health Sensitive Plus Enamel Shield toothpaste
    QUICK VIEW

    Crest Pro-Health Sensitive & Enamel Shield Toothpaste

    Binds and strengthens enamel, while also protecting against enamel loss.

    rating stars
    RatingStars on
    ( 653 )
    $2.99-$5.49 MSRP
  • CONNECT WITH US
  • Visit Crest on Facebook
  • Follow Crest on Twitter
  • Visit Crest's YouTube Channel
SIGN UP
SAVE ON HEALTHY SMILES Sign up to get the emails with savings on Crest Toothpaste, oral hygiene products, expert advice and more reasons for a healthy smile.

SHOP

  • Toothpaste
  • Mouthwash
  • Whitestrips
  • Kids
  • Our Ambition
  • Sustainability
  • Ingredients

Help & Support

  • Contact Us
  • RELATED SITES
  • P&G Brands
  • OralB.com

Dental Professional?

  • Visit dentalcare.com
  • bbb logo
  • SmartlabelIcon For ingredients and more, select a product.
    • Better Business Bureau
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy
  • CA Privacy
  • Careers
  • AdChoices Ad Choices
  • Site Map
  • © 2021 Procter & Gamble
  • Do Not Sell My Personal Information

This website uses cookies and other technologies to provide you with a tailored experience and to understand how you and other visitors use our site. Click here for more information.