FAQs About Acid Erosion & ProNamel

Frequently asked questions about
acid erosion and Sensodyne® ProNamel® toothpaste


  • What is acid erosion?

  • It is a form of tooth wear that is caused by acid softening the surface of the tooth enamel. When tooth enamel (the tooth's hard surface) is exposed to acids from certain everyday foods or drinks, it can temporarily soften and lose some of its mineral content. When the enamel is softened and we brush our teeth, it can be worn away more easily.

    Use the ProNamel® Toothpaste Food Acidity Finder to find the foods that have high levels of acid.
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  • What can cause acid erosion?

  • Frequent consumption of food and drinks with a high acid content can cause acid erosion. When tooth enamel is exposed to acids from foods or drinks, it can temporarily soften and lose some of its mineral content.

    Saliva will help neutralize acidity, but if there are a lot of acidic foods and drinks in your diet, your teeth do not have a chance to repair themselves.

    Wine, fruit juices and various fruits can be highly acidic and, therefore, potentially damaging to the teeth. Acidic foods should not and cannot easily be avoided since they are important to a healthy diet. However, care needs to be taken as to when and how often they are consumed. It is not just what is consumed that causes the effects of acid erosion, but also the way that acidic items are consumed.

    • * Avoid brushing your teeth immediately after consuming acidic foods or drinks, when your enamel is most soft and more likely to be worn away. Try waiting an hour before brushing your teeth. Or consider brushing your teeth before you eat.
    • * Don't swish acidic drinks in your mouth — swallow them quickly. Consider drinking soft drinks through a straw to avoid contact with your teeth. When it comes to the effects of acid erosion, studies suggest that the way you drink acidic beverages has more of an effect on your teeth than the quantity you drink. And the less you have acids in contact with your teeth, the better.
    • * Have regular dental check-ups and follow your dentist's or dental hygienist's advice.
    • * Use ProNamel® toothpaste as your daily toothpaste. Get a coupon for ProNamel® toothpaste now and save.

    Think you might be at risk for the effects of acid erosion? Take our self-test!

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Acid Erosion: Effects

  • What are the signs and effects of acid erosion?

  • The effects of acid erosion can wear away the enamel and change the texture, shape and appearance of your teeth, and may also lead to tooth sensitivity.

    People often do not become aware of the effects of acid erosion until they have reached an advanced stage. Detailed dental examinations can help to detect the effects of acid erosion in the earlier stages. Here are the typical signs and effects of acid erosion:

    • Transparency
      Teeth may appear slightly "glassy" or transparent near their biting edges. This tends to be an earlier warning sign of acid erosion.
    • Discoloration
      Teeth can have a yellow appearance as enamel becomes thinner and the darker dentin shows through. Discoloration tends to occur in the later stages of acid erosion.
    • Rounded Teeth
      As acid erosion advances, teeth can develop a rounded, "sandblasted" look on their surface and edges.
    • Cracks
      In the later stages of acid erosion, small cracks and roughness may be visible at the edges of the teeth.
    • Cupping
      Small dents may appear on the chewing surfaces of the teeth in advanced stages of the effects of acid erosion. Fillings also may appear to rise up.
    • *Sensitivity
      As dentin becomes exposed through loss of enamel, twinges, tingles or aches may occur in the teeth when consuming hot, cold or sweet foods and drinks. Tooth sensitivity can occur at any stage of the effects of acid erosion, from early to advanced..

      • See how ProNamel® toothpaste can help you fight the effects of acid erosion.

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  • What is the link between the effects of acid erosion and sensitivity?

  • As tooth enamel is worn away, the underlying dentin may be exposed, causing teeth to become more sensitive. When nerve endings in the dentin are activated, a slight twinge can be felt when consuming hot, cold or sweet foods and drinks.

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  • What are the long term consequences of the effects of acid erosion?

  • In the long term, the effects of acid erosion may require dental treatment in order to protect the tooth and the underlying dentin. A dentist may decide to place a bonded filling, a veneer or a crown to restore the tooth to its former color and shape. In extreme cases, the damage caused by the effects of acid erosion may result in extraction of the tooth.

    Learn more about what you can do to fight the effects of acid erosion.

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  • How quickly can the effects of acid erosion occur?

  • There are many factors that contribute to the progression of the effects of acid erosion. Consumption habits and teeth are different and can affect the rate at which the effects of acid erosion affect enamel.

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Acid Erosion: Prevalence


Acid Erosion: Protection

  • What can be done to help protect against the effects of acid erosion?

  • To help protect your teeth against the effects of dietary acids, there are several steps that can be taken:

    • Avoid brushing teeth immediately after consuming acidic foods or drinks, when the enamel is at its softest. It is best to brush teeth before meals or wait at least 1 hour after eating before brushing teeth.
    • Consume acidic drinks quickly — don't swish them around or hold them in your mouth for prolonged periods of time. Consider using a straw placed toward the back of the mouth to minimize the impact of acid on the teeth.
    • Brush teeth gently but thoroughly with a medium-soft toothbrush.
    • Have regular dental check-ups and talk to a dental professional about any concerns.
    • Brush twice a day, every day, with a toothpaste like ProNamel® toothpaste to help re-harden acid softened tooth enamel and protect against the effects of acid erosion.

    See all three ProNamel® toothpaste varieties and find the right one for you!

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  • Can the effects of acid erosion be reversed?

  • Once the damage has been done, it cannot be reversed. In the advanced stages of the effects of acid erosion, restorative procedures might be necessary. This is why understanding the problem and taking steps to minimize risk are so important.

    To see if you are at risk, take our acidity test.

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Acid Erosion: A Modern Phenomenon?


Sensodyne® ProNamel®, Fluoride Toothpaste

ProNamel® iso-active®

  • What is ProNamel® iso-active®?

  • ProNamel® iso-active® helps re-harden acid softened enamel. When you brush, the gel changes into a microfine foam that penetrates hard- to-reach places - surrounding your teeth with protection.

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  • How does iso-active work?

  • Iso-active is a combination of the word 'isopentane' and 'active'. Isopentane is a hydrocarbon and is the ingredient that makes this technology turn from a gel into a foam.

    Isopentane responds to increases in temperature caused by the warmth of the mouth. This relatively small increase in temperature produces a release of energy by the isopentane ingredient that stimulates the enhanced foaming action of the product - producing twice the foam of ordinary toothpaste.

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  • Is Isopentane safe to use as an ingredient in toothpaste?

  • Yes. Isopentane is already used safely in a range of cosmetic products that are applied directly to the skin. The scientific evidence and the experience of use of isopentane in a range of personal care products across the globe all support the conclusions that this ingredient is safe and effective when used as indicated.

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  • What is the use-up rate on ProNamel® iso-active®?

  • The 4.3 ounce canister will provide you with the equivalent amount of toothpaste as a 4.3 ounce tube.

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  • Does ProNamel® iso-active® contain CFCs?

  • No. GSK believes that climate change is globally significant and as such has ensured that iso-active Foaming Gel complies with all aerosol regulations and contains no CFC's. The product itself is pressurized within the canister using compressed nitrogen - an environmentally friendly propellant.

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  • Can the product be recycled?

  • Yes. Aluminum aerosols can be collected with regular drink and food cans for recycling in specialist facilities. They should not be crushed or pierced and only empty aerosols should be recycled.

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  • How can I keep ProNamel® iso-active®'s nozzle clean?

  • Due to the active nature of the iso-active product, some of the gel will foam up in the nozzle between uses. For best results, the nozzle should be wiped before and after use to prevent product build-up.

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  AT RISK FOR ACID EROSION?
Our easy self-test looks at your diet and your habits to see if you are at a high, medium or low risk for the effects of acid erosion.
KIDS
AT RISK FOR ACID EROSION?
Our easy self-test looks at your diet and your habits to see if you are at a high, medium or low risk for the effects of acid erosion.
Did you know?
‘Soft teeth’ and ‘softened tooth enamel’ can imply ‘enamel softened by acids’.    The acids found in every    day foods can weaken and soften the enamel,    and softened enamel is    more easily brushed away or worn away.
Discover the risk factors and signs of acid erosion (tooth erosion) – as well as how to protect your teeth from the effects of acid erosion.
Did you know?
In a lot of ways, acid erosion is a modern phenomenon. Not only is our modern diet full of acidic foods and drinks, but our teeth are lasting longer. That means exposing our teeth to a lifetime of food acids.
Discover the risk factors and signs of acid erosion (enamel erosion) – as well as how to protect your teeth from the effects of acid erosion.
Did you know?
ProNamel® toothpaste can help protect your teeth against the effects of acid erosion. In fact, 4 out of 5 dentists recommend it.
Discover the risk factors and signs of acid erosion (enamel erosion) – as well as how to protect your teeth from the effects of acid erosion.
Did you know?
One of the first signs of acid erosion that many people experience is tooth sensitivity. Probably because it’s so hard to ignore.
Discover the risk factors and signs of acid erosion (enamel erosion) – as well as how to protect your teeth from the effects of acid erosion.
Did you know?
Acid erosion, or tooth erosion, is a common problem. In fact, 9 out of 10 dentists see signs of acid erosion in their patients.
Discover the risk factors and signs of acid erosion (enamel erosion) – as well as how to protect your teeth from the effects of acid erosion.
Did you know?
No matter how much research you do, only your dentist can tell for sure whether or not you’re experiencing the effects of acid erosion.
Discover the risk factors and signs of acid erosion (tooth erosion) – as well as how to protect your teeth from the effects of acid erosion.