Tooth enamel degradation often triggers toothache: What you can do about it

Less well known than the widespread disease caries, but sometimes just as painful and dangerous, is the so-called enamel degradation, also known as tooth erosion or acid-related loss of tooth structure.

The term acid-induced loss of tooth structure best expresses what enamel erosion is all about: when foods with a lot of acid are eaten, these attack the teeth or, more precisely, the enamel.

The problem is that acids are contained in many foods. Soft drinks in particular, such as cola, lemonade, iced tea or juices, trigger a dangerous acid attack due to the citric acid they often contain. This also includes the so-called Zero products.

Enamel degradation: Which foods promote it?

In the case of the above-mentioned drinks, we are talking about a high acid content. When consuming salad dressings, wine, energy drinks or isotonic sports drinks, the acid content is considered moderate; with mineral water (without lemon), black tea or yogurt, it is low.

Although yogurt falls into the critical range with a ph value of 3.5, it does not pose a risk to tooth enamel due to its high calcium content, because calcium neutralizes acids and also hardens tooth enamel.

In addition to acidic foods, some medications can also cause enamel breakdown. In addition, people who are bulimic or who vomit frequently due to gastrointestinal illness have a higher risk of enamel breakdown.

What many don't suspect: Brushing your teeth incorrectly can also promote enamel degradation. Scrubbing too hard with hard bristles has an abrasive effect and can damage delicate enamel. Also, be sure to wait at least 30 minutes after eating acidic foods before brushing your teeth. The acids soften the enamel. Without a waiting period, this can therefore be worn away particularly easily. Give your mouth a little time for your body's own defense. The calcium contained in saliva can neutralize the acids and thus protect the teeth in a natural way.

Tooth enamel erosion: First symptoms

Tooth enamel erosion begins gradually and is hardly recognizable to the layperson in the early stages. Therefore, regular check-ups with the dentist are important.

These symptoms may appear as enamel degradation progresses:

Toothache: Less enamel increases the overall pain sensitivity of the teeth, for example, when eating hot or cold foods.

Discoloration: Your teeth may look more yellow because the layer below the enamel, called dentin, is exposed.

Translucent edges: Front teeth appear translucent at the outer edge.

Crevices and indentations: Bumps can appear on the chewing surfaces.

How to stop enamel deterioration

Once your dentist has diagnosed enamel loss, you should look for the triggers. So take a close look at your diet. A food diary kept over several days will help you find out which acids dominate your diet. Once you have identified possible causes for the acid attacks , you should reduce the consumption of these foods or drinks as much as possible.

Once the enamel is gone, it cannot be rebuilt. However, if you reduce your consumption of acidic foods, you will stop the enamel from progressing.

It is also helpful to use fluorides, because they form a protective film around the teeth, protecting the surface and making it more resistant. Fluoride is contained in most toothpastes. Mouth rinses with fluoride for hardening tooth enamel or fluoride gels can also be used.

Use toothbrushes with soft bristles. In the demirdental range you will find brush heads with 25% softer bristles compared to the standard model.