Dental Erosion
The irreversible loss of dental hard tissue caused by chemical dissolution from intrinsic or extrinsic acids, without bacterial involvement.
Full Definition
Dental erosion is a form of tooth wear characterised by the dissolution of enamel and dentine by acids of non-carious origin, such as dietary acids (extrinsic) or gastric acid (intrinsic). It is distinguished from abrasion and attrition as a discrete aetiological category in wear classification systems. In dental research, erosion is quantified using indices such as BEWE (Basic Erosive Wear Examination) or the TWES (Tooth Wear Evaluation System). Editors should ensure authors do not conflate 'erosion' with the broader term 'erosive tooth wear', which encompasses erosion combined with other mechanical wear. Correct aetiological attribution is critical for clinical and public health interpretation.
Usage
Usage note: Do not use 'dental erosion' and 'erosive tooth wear' interchangeably; the latter is an umbrella term combining erosion with mechanical wear components.
In Context
- "Palatal surface dental erosion was attributed to frequent consumption of carbonated beverages." — Case series in a paediatric dentistry journal
- "The study distinguished dental erosion from abrasion using standardised clinical criteria." — Tooth wear epidemiology methods section