When tooth enamel (the tooth’s hard surface) is exposed to acids (from food, drinks or the stomach e.g. due to sickness or regurgitation), it temporarily softens and loses some of its mineral content. Saliva will help neutralise acidity, restore the mouth’s natural balance and slowly re-harden the tooth enamel. However, because the tooth’s recovery process is slow, if the acid attack happens frequently, the tooth does not have a chance to repair.

When tooth enamel is exposed to acids (from food, drinks or the stomach), it temporarily softens and loses some of its mineral content. Saliva will help neutralise acidity, restore the mouth’s natural balance and slowly re-harden the tooth enamel. However, because the tooth’s recovery process is slow, if the acid attack happens frequently, the tooth does not have a chance to repair.

Milk teeth are very much at risk from acid erosion because they are less mineralised and therefore the enamel is softer than adult teeth to begin with. Therefore great care should be taken with the acidic content of a child’s diet.

To help protect your teeth against the effects of dietary acids, there are several steps that can be taken: Avoid brushing teeth immediately after consuming acidic food or drinks as this is when the enamel is at its softest. It is best to brush teeth before meals or wait at least 1 hour after eating before brushing teeth Drink acidic drinks quickly – don’t swish them around or hold them for prolonged periods within your mouth.

In the 20th Century, dental diseases, for example tooth decay and gum disease, were widespread. This greatly affected the life span of teeth and meant that the majority did not retain their teeth for life. Improved oral hygiene and restorative treatments have extended the life span of teeth in the 21st Century. However, as teeth are lasting longer they are subject to the effects of wear, particularly from acids and tooth brushing for prolonged time periods.

GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare is committed to improving oral health and well-being through unique and successful industry-professional partnerships, working with dental professionals in the front line of care in dental practice; with dental scientists in creating greater understanding of oral care needs and to develop new products; and with dental educators in developing the practitioners and leaders of tomorrow.

Diet, and the way that acidic food and drinks are consumed, is the most likely cause of acid erosion. However it can also result from stomach acids in the mouth, for example, as a consequence of bulimia (vomiting) or indigestion (regurgitation / gastric reflux). There are also instances - as a result of occupational or industrial exposure - where acid erosion has been brought about, for example, by prolonged inhalation of acidic fumes.

tooth enamel is worn away, the underlying dentine may be exposed. This is a softer part of the tooth and as it becomes exposed, teeth may be more sensitive. As nerve endings in the teeth are activated, a slight twinge can be felt when consuming hot, cold or sweet foods and drinks.

Experts agree that nearly everybody with natural teeth will develop some signs of acid erosion. Many will show the mild, early signs of acid erosion, however increasingly significant numbers of people are showing advanced signs. In October 2005, 91% of UK dentists reported seeing cases of acid erosion on a weekly basis.1 The number of people showing signs of acid erosion is rising due to the number of people keeping their natural teeth for longer, combined with the acidity in the modern diet.

Everyone with natural teeth should be considered at risk of acid erosion, which can affect all age groups and both sexes. A wide range of foods that could be associated with the modern diet are highly acidic, such as some fruit teas, wine and various fruits. This is not to say however that acidic food and drinks should be avoided.

To help protect your teeth against the effects of dietary acids, there are several steps that can be taken: Avoid brushing teeth immediately after consuming acidic food or drinks as this is when the enamel is at its softest. It is best to brush teeth before meals or wait at least 1 hour after eating before brushing teeth Drink acidic drinks quickly - don't swish them around or hold them for prolonged periods within your mouth. Or consider using a straw placed towards the back of the mouth

Once the damage has been done it cannot be reversed. In the advanced stages of acid erosion there is likely to be a need for expensive and complicated dentistry to restore teeth to normal function. This is why understanding the problem and taking steps to minimise risk is so important.

The wear caused by acid erosion can lead to reduced thickness of enamel and a change in texture, shape and appearance of teeth, which may also cause teeth to become sensitive.

People typically do not become aware of erosion until it has reached an advanced stage. To detect it in its early stages will often require a detailed dental examination.

There have been extreme instances where enamel has been stripped from teeth in a period of six-months, but this is extreme. There are many factors however which contribute to the progression of acid erosion, most notably the frequency and concentration of the acids in contact with the teeth and the volume and defence of an individual’s saliva. Everyone’s lifestyles, consumption habits and teeth are different and all can affect the rate at which acid erosion affects teeth.

This is when the Band actually erodes into the stomach. It is a more serious problem, and generally requires removal of the Band. Band erosion is thought to be related to placing too many sutures (or too tight sutures) at the time of Band implantation. Surprisingly, Band erosion is often unnoticed. Occasionally the port will become infected if bacteria track along the catheter out to the port. Other times patients will stop losing weight. Diagnosis often requires an endoscopy.