Dental Erosion and Its Growing Importance in Clinical Practice: From Past to Present

Abstract

Since the mid-1990s, the focus of studies on tooth wear has steadily shifted from the general condition towards the more specific area of dental erosion; equally, a shift has occurred from studies in adults to those in children and adolescents. During this time, understanding of the condition has increased greatly. This paper attempts to provide a critical overview of the development of this body of knowledge, from earlier perceptions to the present. It is accepted that dental erosion has a multifactorial background, in which individual and lifestyle factors have great significance. Notwithstanding methodological differences across studies, data from many countries confirm that dental erosion is common in children and young people, and that, when present, it progresses rapidly. That the condition, and its ramifications, warrants serious consideration in clinical dentistry, is clear. It is important for the oral healthcare team to be able to recognize its early signs and symptoms and to understand its pathogenesis. Preventive strategies are essential ingredients in the management of patients with dental erosion. When necessary, treatment aimed at correcting or improving its effects might best be of a minimally invasive nature. Still, there remains a need for further research to forge better understanding of the subject.

The Effects of Some Drinks on Saliva pH

“…Clinical studies have found carbonated drinks, especially carbonated cola drinks, to be associated with erosion, most likely due to their low pH. Previously conducted research shows that the erosive potential of soft drinks within the first minutes of exposure is solely dependent on the pH of the drinks [13,16,17].…”

Erosão dental ocupacional: aspectos clínicos e tratamento

“…Dentre os intrínsecos podem-se citar: desordens gástricas como refluxo esofágico, regurgitação; desordens alimentares como anorexia nervosa, bulimia; vômito devido a condições como alcoolismo, gravidez ou problemas gastrointestinais; deficiências salivares como baixo fluxo salivar, baixo pH e capacidade tampão; doenças autoimunes. 6,11 Vários fatores extrínsecos podem diminuir o pH bucal. Um grupo a ser destacado é o de exposições ácidas ambientais como ácido sulfúrico, hidroclorídrico, nítrico, tartárico, fosfórico, acético.…”

Dental erosion potential of beverages and bottled drinking water in Bangladesh

“…Other parameters dictating the dental erosion potential include consumption frequency, temperature of the drinks, oral hygiene, etc [16,17] . Prevalence of erosion-induced teeth degradation has been increasing among both young and adult population around the world including Bangladesh [2,18] . A recent survey showed that 52% of the 147 participating pregnant women presented with the prevalence of moderate to severe dental erosion [19] .…”