|
 Tooth
erosion
Non-carious
tooth tissue loss due to abrasion, attrition, abfraction and
erosion has become a significant problem, occurring in up to 80
percent of children and in up to 43 percent of adults. Dental
erosion is now recognised as an important cause of tooth tissue
loss in both children and adults. It is caused by the presence
of intrinsic or extrinsic acid of non-bacterial origin in the
mouth.
Intrinsic sources of acid include vomiting, regurgitation,
gastro-oesophageal reflux or rumination.
|
Extrinsic sources of acid are most commonly dietary acids. Medications, a patient's
lifestyle choices and environment can also increase the
risk of dental erosion.
For example, the acid added to swimming pools to combat
microbes, the citric and chelating carboxylic acids of
fruit and fruit-based beverages, the phosphoric acid of
cola beverages, and the acetic acid of vinegars used for
salads all can contribute to the chemical erosion of
tooth surfaces |
|
The pathophysiology of acid erosion
|
1. Sensitivity
|
As dentine becomes exposed, an
occasional slight twinge may be felt when consuming hot,
cold or sweet foods and drinks |
Early signs |
|
2. Discolouration |
Teeth can have a slight yellow
appearance as the dentine shows through |
|
3. Rounded Teeth |
A rounded 'sandblasted' look on the
surface and edges of the teeth |
|
4. Transparency |
Front teeth may appear slightly
transparent near their biting edges |
Late stages |
|
5. Advanced Discolouration |
Teeth may show a darker yellow
appearance which is the exposed dentine showing through
|
|
6. Cracks |
Small cracks and roughness may be
present at the edges of the teeth |
|
7. Severe Sensitivity |
As dentine continues to becomes
exposed over time, teeth can suffer from severe dentine
hypersensitivity |
|
8. Cupping |
Small dents may appear on the
chewing surface of the teeth — at this stage any
fillings may appear to rise up |
 |
