tooth erosion

Tooth erosion, also known as dental erosion or enamel erosion, is a condition where the outer protective layer of your teeth (enamel) wears down due to chemical or mechanical forces [1]. This can lead to weakened teeth that are more vulnerable to stains, sensitivity, and cavities.

The primary etiologic factors of dental erosion are acids of intrinsic origin, such as those from the diet or stomach, which dissolve the enamel and dentine [2-6]. Food-based dental erosion was first described in 1892 among Sicilian lemon pickers, where acidic foods like citrus fruits can dissolve tooth structure if they are acidic enough [3].

Dental erosion occurs when acids break down the outside layer of the tooth, dental enamel, and expose the underlying layer known as the dentin [7]. This can cause symptoms like tooth stains and sensitivity. Tooth enamel can't be regrown, but you can prevent erosion from getting worse with dental care and avoiding acidic foods and drinks.

Some common causes of tooth erosion include:

• Drinking a lot of acidic soft drinks, sports drinks, and fruit juices
• Consuming acidic foods like citrus fruits, pickles, and vinegar
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which can cause stomach acids to back up into the throat and mouth
• Frequent vomiting, which brings stomach acids into contact with teeth

It's essential to maintain good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing your teeth regularly and visiting your dentist for check-ups, to prevent tooth erosion from getting worse.

Tooth erosion, also known as dental erosion, is a condition where the enamel on teeth wears away due to acid exposure. The signs and symptoms of tooth erosion can vary from person to person, but here are some common indicators:

• Sensitivity: Increased sensitivity to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and beverages is a common early sign of tooth erosion [1][2][3].
• Discoloration: Yellowing of teeth due to the exposure of dentin can be an indication of advanced enamel erosion [4][5].
• Pain: Tooth pain or discomfort can occur when the enamel wears away, exposing the underlying dentin [6][7].
• Sensitivity to temperature: Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures can be a sign of tooth erosion, especially if it's accompanied by other symptoms like discoloration or pain [8][9].
• Smooth or shiny spots on teeth: Early signs of enamel erosion may include smooth, silky, or shiny spots on the surface of teeth [10][11].
• Grooving on biting areas: Grooves or ridges on the biting surfaces of teeth can be an indication of tooth erosion [12].

It's essential to note that some symptoms of tooth decay, such as sensitivity and pain, can overlap with those of tooth erosion. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's crucial to consult a dentist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

References: [1] - Context result 2 [2] - Context result 13 [3] - Context result 15 [4] - Context result 14 [5] - Context result 7 [6] - Context result 10 [7] - Context result 11 [8] - Context result 9 [9] - Context result 12 [10] - Context result 3 [11] - Context result 4 [12] - Context result 5

Tooth erosion can be diagnosed through various methods, including:

• Physical examination: A dentist can check for wear and tear, texture changes, and other signs of enamel erosion during a routine dental examination [1].
• Detailed history: A dentist may ask about the patient's dietary habits, oral hygiene, and any symptoms of acid reflux or dry mouth to help diagnose tooth erosion [2].
• Diagnostic models or clinical photographs: These can be used to monitor the progression of erosive tooth wear (ETW) and identify early signs of dental erosion [6][9].

Additionally, various assessment techniques have been applied to evaluate the loss of dental hard tissue and the surface-softened zone in enamel induced by erosive challenges [3]. Some of these techniques include:

• Profiling: This involves analyzing the shape and texture of the tooth surface to identify signs of erosion.
• Iodide permeability test (IPT): This method can be used to assess the integrity of the tooth enamel and detect early signs of erosion [13].

It's worth noting that dental erosion is a multifactorial condition, and accurate diagnosis requires a comprehensive understanding of the patient's medical history, lifestyle, and oral health status [7][10].

Tooth erosion can be treated using various dental treatments, depending on the severity of the condition and the extent of tooth damage.

Fluoride Treatments: Fluoride treatments are often used to prevent further tooth erosion and promote remineralization of tooth enamel. According to search results [7], fluoride treatments may help restore a tooth's enamel and can sometimes reverse a cavity, especially if it is in its early stages.

• Fluoride Varnishes: Fluoride varnishes are applied directly to the teeth to provide a protective layer against acid attacks. They contain high concentrations of fluoride that help prevent tooth decay and erosion.
• Fluoride Toothpaste: Using a fluoride toothpaste can also help prevent further tooth erosion by remineralizing tooth enamel.

Other Treatments: In more severe cases, other treatments may be necessary to repair or restore damaged teeth. These include:

• Dental Bonding: A dental bonding procedure involves applying a tooth-colored resin to the affected area to repair small chips or cracks in the teeth.
• Veneers: Veneers are thin, custom-made shells that are bonded to the front of the teeth to improve their appearance and protect them from further erosion.
• Crowns: In more severe cases, a crown may be necessary to cover the entire tooth and provide additional protection against further erosion.

Prevention is Key: While these treatments can help repair damaged teeth, prevention is still key in maintaining good oral health. This includes:

• Regular Brushing and Flossing: Regular brushing and flossing with fluoride toothpaste can help prevent tooth decay and erosion.
• Avoiding Acidic Foods and Drinks: Avoiding acidic foods and drinks, such as citrus fruits and sports drinks, can also help prevent tooth erosion.
• Visiting Your Dentist Regularly: Visiting your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings can help identify any oral health issues early on.

According to search results [10], tooth erosion is when your enamel (the outer protective layer of your teeth) wears down due to chemical or mechanical forces. When your tooth enamel becomes thin, it weakens your teeth and makes them more vulnerable to stains, sensitivity, and cavities. Other names for tooth erosion include enamel erosion and dental erosion.

References:

[7] Nov 30, 2023 — Fluoride treatments. If your cavity just started, a fluoride treatment may help restore your tooth's enamel and can sometimes reverse a cavity ...

[10] Tooth erosion is when your enamel (the outer protective layer of your teeth) wears down due to chemical or mechanical forces. When your tooth enamel becomes thin, it weakens your teeth and makes them more vulnerable to stains, sensitivity, and cavities. Other names for tooth erosion include enamel erosion and dental erosion.

[13] Studies on the prevention and treatment of dental erosion that were conducted in English and used in vitro were among the inclusion criteria. Results: The search turned up 391 papers in total, with 34 of those publications matching the requirements for inclusion. Varnishes, toothpastes, and solutions containing fluoride and other substances ...

Tooth erosion can be challenging to diagnose, as it often presents with similar symptoms to other dental conditions. Therefore, a differential diagnosis is essential to rule out other possible causes and confirm the presence of tooth erosion.

Key factors to consider in differential diagnosis:

• Attrition: Tooth-to-tooth wear resulting from contact between teeth, which can be mistaken for erosion [3].
• Abrasion: Physical forces, such as brushing or chewing, that cause tissue loss, often accompanied by erosion [11].
• Abfraction/wedge-shaped defect: A non-carious cervical lesion caused by physical forces, which can mimic the appearance of erosion [9].

Clinical characteristics to look for:

• Smooth and flat facets on facial or palatal surfaces
• Shallow and localized dimpling on occlusal surfaces
• Loss of enamel texture and changes in optical properties of enamel

Importance of thorough examination:

A comprehensive differential diagnosis is crucial to accurately diagnose tooth erosion. This involves eliminating other possible causes, such as attrition, abrasion, or abfraction, and considering the patient's medical history, dietary habits, and oral hygiene practices.

References:

• [3] Attrition is a result of two-body wear from tooth-to-tooth contacts.
• [9] Abfraction/wedge-shaped defect is a non-carious cervical lesion caused by physical forces.
• [11] Erosion usually coexists with attrition and/or abrasion but one of these factors may be more significant than the others, making differential diagnosis difficult.