Erosion

Click on the image below to see a severe case of dental erosion.

Dental erosion is a form of tooth wear caused by the action of acids on the teeth. The source of these acids may be from:

• Reflux (a suprisingly common medical condition whereby stomach acids are allowed to travel back up to the oral cavity - a high percentage of cases are undiagnosed until you visit a dentist and they detect abnormal acid wear of you teeth)
• Chronic vomiting (e.g. bulimia)
• Highly acidic diet (e.g. soft drinks, fruit juices, wine tasters)

These strong acids have the potential to dissolve the outer layers of the enamel initially, followed by the inner layers, and finally the dentine, causing an irreversible loss of tooth structure and predisposing the tooth to sensitivity. Once you have lost these minerals your body cannot replace them.

Affected teeth have a dished out appearance and appear more yellow (see the above image).

Treatment of erosion cases would involve investigating the cause and trying to control it as much as possible with supplemental oral hygiene products. Your dentist may refer you to your GP to get tested for reflux. The erosion lesions will usually be filled to prevent further destruction of your remaining tooth structure, as well as attempt to relieve any sensitivity.