Overview
The 20th century saw huge advances in dentistry and major improvements in oral
health. Caries and the periodontal diseases have been brought under control,
fewer teeth are restored or extracted and the longevity of the natural
dentition has been extended for many more people. Improved oral hygiene has
been a major contributor to this — great news for both public health and
individual's quality of life.
However, dental practitioners are now seeing a paradox: these healthier
longer-lasting teeth are showing signs of increasing tooth wear. In Europe,
dental professionals consider acid erosion as the primary cause.
Acid erosion is strongly linked to the consumption of acidic foods and drinks. Acids
demineralise and soften the tooth surface making it more susceptible to
abrasion, particularly by toothbrushing with or without toothpaste.
In its early stages tooth wear is often thought to be harmless. However as it
progresses tooth wear can result in dentine hypersensitivity, loss of tooth
shape and colour, and may require complex restorative intervention. Yet many
people remain unaware of the consequences of tooth wear and the measures that
can be taken to protect teeth from this slow and insidious process.
At the 2005 FDI World Dental Congress international experts reviewed the
prevalence, aetiology, diagnosis, pathophysiology, and management of tooth wear
in front of a record audience of over 900 dental professionals. There was
agreement that acid erosion is becoming a significant issue.