What exactly is DENTAL EROSION? What are Causes, Diagnosis, Prevention and Treatment of Dental Erosion?
TOOTH EROSION is a type of tooth wear . It is defined as the irreversible loss of tooth structure due to chemical dissolution by acids not of bacterial origin . Dental erosion is the most common chronic disease of children ages 5–17. CAUSES: The most common cause of erosion is by acidic foods and drinks. In general, foods and drinks with a pH below 5.0–5.7 have been known to trigger dental erosion effects. EXTRINSIC (External) SOURCES: Acidic food and drink lowers the pH level of the mouth resulting in demineralisation of the teeth. Examples include fruit juices , such as apple and orange juices, sports drinks, wine and beer. Carbonated drinks, such as colas and lemonades, are also very acidic and hence have significant erosive potential. INTRINSIC (Internal) SOURCES: Intrinsic dental erosion, also known as perimolysis, is the process whereby gastric acid from the stomach comes into contact with the teeth. Self-induced vomiting inc...