Acid attacks can happen as a result of plaque bacteria acting on the sugars in our diet, or as a direct result of the acids in food dissolving away the enamel on the surfaces of our teeth.

You need food, particularly sweet and sticky food, for the bacteria in your mouth to produce acids that will attack the tooth enamel (outer surface of the tooth).

When you swallow food, it travels down your esophagus into your stomach. Here enzymes and acids go to work on the food, beginning the process of breaking the food down.