Can Acid Reflux Wear Down Your Teeth?Signs of Enamel Erosion and What Helps
Breath & MouthArticleStomach acid that reaches your mouth can wear away tooth enamel, and that loss is permanent. A 2025 review of 22 studies found dental erosion was more common in adults with reflux. Here are the signs, why nighttime reflux is hardest on teeth, and the habits the American Dental Association suggests.
Tooth erosion is enamel worn away by acid, not by cavity bacteria.1 Once enamel is gone, it doesn’t grow back.2
Two main sources of acid
Reflux. Stomach acid that reaches the mouth can wear enamel, especially overnight, when you swallow less and make less saliva.2 A 2025 review of 22 studies found erosion was more common in adults with reflux, and reflux was more common in people with erosion.3 Many reflux medicines can also cause dry mouth, which leaves teeth less protected.2
What you eat and drink. The ADA names soda and sports drinks as the major culprits, including sugar-free ones, since carbonation adds acid.4 Citrus, citrus-flavored and sour foods and drinks count too.4 See acidic-drink habits that wear enamel. Vomiting, some medicines and supplements can also play a part.1
Signs to watch for
Our guide to sensitive teeth covers other causes.
Habits that help
| Instead of | Try |
|---|---|
| Brushing right after an acidic food or drink | Waiting an hour so saliva can re-harden enamel4 |
| Sipping soda or juice slowly over hours | Using a straw and swallowing without swishing4 |
| Citrus or tomatoes as a snack alone | Eating them with a meal4 |
| Leaving acid sitting on teeth | Rinsing with water or having milk or cheese afterward4 |
| A dry mouth | Sugar-free gum to boost saliva2 |
| Eating close to bedtime | Stopping 3 hours before bed to cut reflux2 |
Calcium in foods and drinks is protective.1 Ask your dentist about fluoride or desensitizing toothpaste.2 See prescription fluoride toothpaste.
Treat the cause
If heartburn is a daily thing, work with your doctor on the reflux itself.2 Repairs such as fillings or crowns work best alongside steps to stop more wear.1 Our guides to heartburn vs. GERD and waking with a dry mouth can help.
Try: “I have reflux most nights and my teeth are getting sensitive. Do you see signs of erosion, and should I use a stronger fluoride toothpaste?”
Is It My Breath? includes a visit script. Use it to list your reflux symptoms, acidic drinks and reflux medicines for your dentist.
This article is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dental advice. It isn't a substitute for diagnosis or treatment from a qualified dentist or healthcare professional who knows your health history. Please don't ignore professional advice or delay getting care because of something you read here. Heartburn with trouble swallowing, weight loss, vomiting, black stools or chest pain needs prompt medical care; chest pain can be a heart problem. If you think you may be having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. Girl Playbook does not endorse any specific product, test, or provider.
Girl Playbook sells this book. It provides education and worksheets, not individualized medical care.
Sources
The research behind this article, in the order it’s cited. How we source our articles.
- Clinical Oral Investigations (abstract via PubMed), 2015Consensus report of the European Federation of Conservative Dentistry: erosive tooth wear, diagnosis and management (opens in a new tab)abcd
- American Dental Association (MouthHealthy)Tooth Erosion and Acid Reflux (opens in a new tab)abcdefghijk
- Digestive Diseases and Sciences (abstract via PubMed), 2025Relationship Between Laryngopharyngeal Reflux, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, and Dental Erosion in Adult Populations: A Systematic Review (opens in a new tab)↩
- American Dental Association (MouthHealthy)Dietary Acids and Your Teeth (opens in a new tab)abcdef
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