• Excessive fizzy and soft drink consumption (high levels of phosphoric and citric acids)
• Fruit drinks (some acids in fruit drinks are more erosive than battery acid)
• Dry mouth or low salivary flow
• A diet high in sugar and starches
• Acid reflux disease (GORD)
• Gastrointestinal problems

• Environmental factors (friction, wear and tear, stress, and corrosion)

Sensitivity. Certain foods (sweets) and hot or cold drinks may cause a twinge of pain in the early stage of enamel erosion.

• Discoloration As the enamel erodes and more dentin is exposed,
•  the teeth may appear yellow.
• Rounded. The teeth may appear very smooth and shiny.
• Cracks and chips. The edges of teeth become more rough, irregular and  jagged as enamel erodes.
• Severe, painful sensitivity. In the later stages of enamel erosion, teeth become extremely sensitive to temperatures and sweets.

  You may feel a painful jolt that takes your breath away.

• Cupping indentations appear on the surface of
  the teeth.

• To prevent enamel loss and keep teeth healthy, make sure that you brush and floss your teeth daily. See your dentist as often as advised to do so for regular checkups and cleaning. You can also try the following:
• Cut down highly acidic foods and drinks from your diet, such as carbonated drinks, lemons and other citrus fruits and juices. Rinse your mouth immediately with plain water after eating acidic foods or drinking acidic drinks.
• Use a straw when you drink acidic drinks. The straw pushes the liquid to the back of your mouth, avoiding your teeth.
• Monitor your snacks. Snacking throughout the day increases the chance of tooth decay. The mouth is acidic for a few hours after eating foods high in sugarand starches. Avoid snacking unless you are able to rinse your mouth and brush your teeth afterwards.
• Chew sugar-free gum with xylitol between meals, which helps neutralise acids from foods and drinks. Chewing gum boosts saliva production by up to 10 times the normal flow. Saliva helps strengthen teeth with important minerals. Be sure to select sugar-free gum. Avoid excessive use, however, which can result in teeth-grinding and jaw joint problems.
• Drink more water throughout your day if you have low saliva volume or a dry mouth.
• Use fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride strengthens teeth against decay, so make sure fluoride is listed as an ingredient in your toothpaste.
• Talk to your dentist about daily fluoride treatments if you have a history of cavities. In addition, ask your dentist if sealants may be helpful in preventing enamel erosion and tooth decay.