The wearing away of the surface layer (enamel) of a tooth.
The erosion of the tooth enamel, often caused by acids from plaque or other chemicals, results in the loss of the tooth’s outer layer. Initially, this erosion manifests as a dull or frosted appearance on the tooth surface. As the issue continues to progress, the surface becomes smooth and shiny while shallow cavities start to develop.
The outer layers of the front teeth often erode due to excessive consumption of acidic beverages like fruit juices and carbonated drinks. On the other hand, the inner surfaces of the molars can erode due to the regurgitation of stomach acid, a common occurrence in individuals suffering from acid reflux or bulimia. This erosion can co-occur with, and even speed up, other tooth damage processes like abrasion (the mechanical wearing down of teeth) and attrition (the reduction of the chewing surfaces). Such issues can lead to significant harm to the teeth.