12 Tips to Protect Tooth Enamel From Erosion

Good dental care at home and at the dentist’s office can help prevent tooth enamel erosion. Here are 12 tips that can help:

1. Cut down on acidic drinks and foods, such as carbonated drinks and citrus fruits and juices. If you do drink them, do so at mealtimes to minimize their effects on the enamel.
2. Switch to modified products, such as low-acid orange juice.
3. Rinse your mouth with water right after having acidic foods or drinks.
4. Drink sodas and fruit juices with a straw, which helps acids to bypass the teeth. Don’t swish acidic drinks around in your mouth.
5. Finish a meal with a glass of milk or piece of cheese to neutralize acids.
6. Chew sugar-free gum with xylitol, which reduces acids from foods and drinks. Chewing gum also increases saliva flow, which helps prevent enamel erosion because saliva strengthens teeth with key minerals.
7. Drink more water during the day if you have dry mouth or low saliva problems.
8. Use a soft toothbrush and avoid brushing too aggressively.
9. Wait for at least one hour to brush teeth after you’ve had acidic foods or drinks. Acid leaves the enamel softened and more prone to erosion during brushing.
10. Use fluoride toothpaste or a fluoride mouth rinse to strengthen your teeth.
11. Ask your dentist to recommend a toothpaste to reduce tooth sensitivity or to protect against acid erosion.
12. Get treatment for disorders that can bring acid into the mouth, such as bulimia, alcoholism, or GERD.