Dental Erosion

Dental erosion is a multifactorial process leading to the loss of enamel and dentine, involving acid dissolution which is not related to the presence of bacteria, and may affect all age groups. It is becoming increasingly significant in the long-term management of the dentition. Sources of acid may be extrinsic (predominantly dietary) or intrinsic (predominantly gastric). Diagnosis may be complicated by concurrent tooth structure loss from abrasion, attrition or abfraction. Smooth, clean lesions with rounded margins suggest that they are actively progressing; stained lesions suggest that they are inactive. Restorations (particularly amalgam or gold) with margins above the tooth surface, and ‘cupping’ dentine lesions, are strongly suggestive of a diagnosis of erosion. Saliva, particularly the unstimulated flow rate and buffering capacity, are important modifying factors. There are differences between countries in the classification and diagnosis of noncarious tooth loss.