Clinical Studies of Dental Erosion and Erosive Wear

Abstract

We define erosion as apartial demineralisation of enamel or dentine by intrinsic or extrinsic acidsand erosive tooth wear as the accelerated loss of dental hard tissue through the combined effect of erosion and mechanical wear (abrasion and attrition) on the tooth surface. Most experts believe that during the last decade there has been a significant increase in the prevalence and severity of erosive tooth wear, particularly in adolescents. Even when erosive wear occurs in its milder forms, this is a matter of concern, as it may compromise the integrity of an otherwise healthy dentition in later life. The erosive wear process is complicated and modified by many chemical, behavioural and associated processes in the mouth. If interventions are to be developed it is therefore important that in vivo methods are developed to assess the outcomes of the erosion and erosive wear processes and the effects of interventions upon them. This paper discusses potential methods of investigating erosion and erosive wear in vivo and the difficulties associated with clinical studies.

Influence of Erosive and Abrasive Cycling on Bonding of Different Adhesive Systems to Enamel: An In situ Study

“…Erosion is primarily the result of the non-bacterial chemical attack usually involving acidic substances by intrinsic or extrinsic etiologies, which ultimately provokes the loss of dental hard tissue (2). In the beginning, it causes the softening of the surface (3) and its progression turns it more vulnerable to mechanical processes, and dental subsequent wear if not stopped (1)(2)(3)(4) In the consequence of an excessive or unusual increasing of the consumption of acidic beverages, erosive lesions have also been more evident (1,5,6). As it is a multifactorial process, the compromising level of this event depends on the balance between chemical, behavioral and biological risk factors (2,6).…”

“…Also, when eroded lesions present significant dental compromising, restorations of composite resin are commonly performed (9). With respect of this scenario, there is a lack of information if these alterations would be actually of concern in composition and structure of enamel in terms of erosive effects on interventions upon it (2,10).…”

“…When associated with erosive conditions, both processes can act sinergically to modify enamel and dentin, intensifying their wear (2,11).…”

Oral health habits, prevalence of dental caries and dental erosion in adolescents

“…Control of dental biofilm involves different mechanisms, such as the use of dental floss, toothbrushing and use of oral mouthwashes, among others 23 . All the adolescents reported that they brushed their teeth at least once a day, and half of the sample mentioned the use of dental floss.…”

“…Over the course of the last decade there has been a significant increase in the prevalence and severity of erosive dental wear, particularly in children and adolescents 9,14,27 . In modern society dental erosion is known to be an important cause of loss of dental structure 9,14,23 .…”