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The Dental Erosion Process

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Dental Erosion and Its Clinical Management

Abstract

Erosive tooth wear is a two-stage process. In the first stage (erosion), acids derived mainly from dietary sources partially demineralise and soften tooth surfaces. In the second stage (wear), the weakened tooth surfaces are worn by intra-oral frictional forces. The microstructure, porosity and mineral solubility of enamel and dentin influence the histological patterns and relative rates of erosion. The erosive potential of acidic products seems to be determined largely by pH and buffering properties, although fluoride and calcium concentrations could also be important. Raised temperature and increased fluid movement accelerate erosion. Eroded surfaces are worn by toothbrushing, attrition and even abrasion by food or the soft tissues. Because the initial erosion affects all exposed tooth surfaces, the clinical appearance of erosive wear is unlike that of purely mechanical wear. Variations in behaviour, such as patterns of toothbrushing or the frequency of drinking erosive beverages, cause wide differences in the degree of erosion experienced by individuals. Saliva ameliorates erosion considerably, by dilution and neutralisation of acids and by formation of salivary pellicle which protects tooth surfaces against demineralisation. However, remineralisation seems to occur too slowly to reverse the erosion process.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Preventive, Restorative and Paediatric Dentistry, School of Dental Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland

    R. P. Shellis

  2. Klinik für Zahnerhaltung, Universität Bern, Freiburgstrasse, Bern, Switzerland

    R. P. Shellis

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Correspondence to R. P. Shellis .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Comprehensive Dentistry, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas, USA

    Bennett T. Amaechi

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Shellis, R.P. (2015). The Dental Erosion Process. In: Amaechi, B. (eds) Dental Erosion and Its Clinical Management. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-13993-7_2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-13993-7_2

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

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