---
title: "What Is Enamel erosion? Dental Glossary | Town Center Dental"
description: "Enamel erosion is the loss of tooth enamel from acid rather than from bacteria or biting. Once enamel is gone, the body cannot make more."
url: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/enamel-erosion
publisher: Town Center Dental
phone: +1-636-273-5866
quote: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment
---

Conditions

# Enamel erosion

Enamel erosion is the loss of tooth enamel from acid rather than from bacteria or biting. Once enamel is gone, the body cannot make more.

Tooth erosion is when your enamel, the outer protective layer of your teeth, wears down due to chemical or mechanical forces. It is not the same as tooth decay, but both can cause long-term damage to your oral health.

Acid is a common cause. Frequent soft drinks, especially carbonated sodas, are a primary risk factor for erosive tooth wear. Acid reflux can also play a part. As [enamel](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/enamel) thins, [dentin](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dentin) shows through, and teeth can look yellow or feel [sensitive](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/tooth-sensitivity).

You cannot replace enamel once it is gone. Good oral hygiene and regular dental visits are the way to help prevent erosion. Your dentist can check for signs of wear and talk with you about ways to protect your teeth.

## Related terms

-   [Enamel](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/enamel)
-   [Tooth wear](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/tooth-wear)
-   [Tooth sensitivity](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/tooth-sensitivity)
-   [Dentin](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dentin)
-   [Bruxism (teeth grinding)](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/bruxism-teeth-grinding)

## Sources

1.  [Cleveland Clinic: Tooth Erosion: Stages, Causes & Treatment](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/tooth-erosion)
2.  [American Dental Association: Dental Erosion](https://www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/dental-erosion)

## Ready when you are

[Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866)