Conditions · Acid erosion
Acid erosion
How acid wears teeth — and how to protect them.
When teeth are washed with acid — from diet or from vomiting — minerals dissolve out of the enamel and dentine. This is acid erosion, a form of tooth wear. There is a lot you can do to slow it, and support if you need it.
How acid damages teeth
Stomach acid is very strong (pH around 1.5–3.5). When it washes over your teeth, minerals dissolve out of the enamel and dentine — a chemical form of tooth wear called acid erosion.
The stages of erosion
Early on, erosion can make teeth look very clean and shiny as the enamel thins slightly. Over time, as enamel wears thinner, teeth start to look more yellow — the yellow dentine underneath shows through — and can feel very sensitive to cold, hot, sweet and touch. If the dentine keeps wearing, the pulp inside can become inflamed and sore, causing severe toothache and, eventually, death of the tooth and possibly an abscess.
Erosion makes other wear worse
Acid also softens teeth, so they wear away faster mechanically. Brushing straight after vomiting can rub grooves into softened teeth (abrasion), and grinding wears down the biting surfaces faster (attrition).
How to protect your teeth
- Don’t brush straight after vomiting — wait at least 20 minutes (ideally 45). Rinse with a fluoride mouthwash instead to wash away the taste and strengthen teeth.
- Use fluoride toothpaste — brush for two minutes twice a day with at least 1450ppm fluoride. Fluoride can’t reverse wear but it strengthens enamel and slows it.
- Don’t rinse after brushing — spit out excess toothpaste but leave the fluoride on your teeth; use mouthwash at a different time of day.
- See your dentist — they can check for wear and give tailored advice, prescribe high-fluoride products, apply varnish, or suggest restorations.
Text and further advice adapted from dentalchoices.org.
Watch
See how acid wears teeth
A short film on how acid softens and thins enamel — and the simple habits that slow tooth wear.
Common questions
Acid erosion — your questions answered
Should I brush my teeth after being sick?
No — wait at least 20 minutes (ideally 45) while your teeth are softened. Rinse with a fluoride mouthwash instead.
Can fluoride reverse erosion?
No, but it strengthens enamel and dentine and helps slow tooth wear. Use a toothpaste with at least 1450ppm fluoride.
Should I rinse after brushing?
No — spit out excess toothpaste but don’t rinse, so the fluoride stays on your teeth. Use mouthwash at a separate time.
What are the signs of erosion?
Teeth that first look shiny, then more yellow and sensitive as enamel thins. A dentist can confirm tooth wear early.
Where can I get support for an eating disorder?
Beat and the NHS offer information and support, and your GP can help — links are at the top of this page.
Protect against tooth wear
Fluoride, gentle timing and regular check-ups protect your teeth. Support is there for the rest.