Causes for enamel degradation

The causes of enamel decay can be of various origins, because thermal, mechanical and chemical influences can affect the outermost tooth layer. On the one hand, mechanical wear and tear (e.g. through nightly grinding), on the other hand, frequent vomiting (e.g. in the course of bulimia) can lead to enamel degradation.

However, the main cause of enamel degradation is still considered to be the frequent consumption of acidic foods and beverages. In this context, not only artificial acids, but above all so-called natural acids represent a high risk for the development of enamel degradation processes. An acid-induced tooth enamel degradation (technical term: acid erosion) takes place daily during food intake.

This group includes foods and beverages that have enormously acidic properties and, if consumed in excess, have a particularly high risk of promoting the development of tooth enamel degradation. In addition to apples, grapefruit and applesauce, honey, fruit jam and orange juice also belong to this group. Pineapples (with a pH of 3.2), strawberries and white grapes also have a comparatively low pH value.

If one or more of these foods are consumed frequently, it may be beneficial to strengthen the tooth enamel by regularly using fluoride-containing toothpastes or tablets. The foods that belong to this group can also soften and damage the tooth substance, especially the tooth enamel, in the long term. In many cases, the result is an irreversible degradation of the tooth tissue.

Besides cherries (pH 4.0), oranges (pH 3.6), tomatoes (pH 4.1), fresh cheese and fruit sorbet also belong to this food group. Maple syrup (pH 4.6), pickles (pH 5.1) and cottage cheese (pH 4.8) belong to this food group. Since their pH-value is relatively close to the neutral value of 7, they belong to the (comparatively) less harmful foods. Nevertheless, their excessive consumption attacks the tooth substance and can lead to enamel decay.