Erosive Tooth Wear
The progressive and irreversible loss of tooth hard tissue resulting primarily from chemical dissolution by intrinsic or extrinsic acids, without bacterial involvement.
Full Definition
Erosive tooth wear is a multifactorial condition involving the dissolution of enamel and dentine by acids of dietary (extrinsic) or gastric (intrinsic) origin, and may be compounded by mechanical factors such as toothbrushing (erosion–abrasion interaction). In dental research, it is assessed using validated indices such as the BEWE and studied as a distinct entity from attrition (tooth-to-tooth contact wear) and abrasion (external mechanical wear). Editors must verify that authors clearly specify the type of tooth wear under discussion, as the terms 'erosion', 'attrition', and 'abrasion' are frequently misused or conflated in manuscripts. The compound term 'erosive tooth wear' is now preferred over 'dental erosion' alone in contemporary literature.
Usage
Usage note: Preferred term over 'dental erosion'. Editors should flag 'erosion' used alone as potentially ambiguous and query whether the author means erosive tooth wear, gingival recession, or bone erosion.
In Context
- "The prevalence of erosive tooth wear was significantly higher in participants who consumed carbonated beverages more than three times daily." — Results section of a dietary habits and dental health survey
- "Authors should use 'erosive tooth wear' as the preferred term rather than 'dental erosion' in line with current consensus terminology." — Style guidance note in a dental journal author instructions document