Most of us worry about sugar and cavities. Fewer of us think about acid, and yet acid erosion is one of the most common and most overlooked forms of wear on our teeth. What makes it sneaky is that many of the culprits are things we consider healthy.
Erosion is not the same as decay
Decay is caused by bacteria producing acid from sugar. Erosion is more direct: acidic food and drink soften and dissolve the enamel surface itself, no bacteria required. Enamel is the hardest substance in the body, but it is not immune, and unlike bone it does not grow back. Once it is gone, it is gone, which is why prevention matters so much.
The usual suspects
The obvious ones are citrus fruits and juices, and fizzy drinks. The less obvious ones catch people out: sparkling water is mildly acidic, as are wine, kombucha, many sports and energy drinks, and even coffee. This is not a case for giving any of them up. It is a case for knowing that "healthy" and "kind to enamel" are not always the same thing, and adjusting how you consume them.
The brushing mistake almost everyone makes
Here is the counterintuitive part. Brushing immediately after something acidic can do more harm than good. Acid temporarily softens the enamel surface, and brushing straight away can scrub away that softened layer. It is better to wait around thirty minutes to an hour, giving your saliva time to neutralise the acid and let the surface re-harden, before you brush.
How enamel defends and repairs itself
Your mouth is not defenceless. Saliva buffers acid and carries the minerals enamel needs to recover between exposures. You can support that process. A hydroxyapatite toothpaste supplies the same mineral enamel is made from, helping the surface remineralise, which is particularly useful if acidic food and drink are a regular part of your day.
Simple ways to protect yourself
Follow something acidic with a glass of water to rinse the mouth. Use a straw for acidic drinks so they bypass the teeth, and resist the urge to hold or swish them. Keep acidic snacking to mealtimes rather than sipping across the whole day, which keeps your mouth acidic for longer. Wait before brushing. And use a remineralising toothpaste to help your enamel stay resilient.
→ Support your enamel with our hydroxyapatite Naturally Whitening Toothpaste: fluoride-free, SLS-free, and formulated to help remineralise the enamel surface.
→ Read next: The Best Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth, Without the Fluoride.
This post is informational and does not replace personalised advice from your dentist.