Dental Erosion
Irreversible loss of mineralised tooth structure caused by chemical dissolution from intrinsic or extrinsic acids, without bacterial involvement.
Full Definition
Dental erosion (also termed acid erosion or tooth erosion) is a non-carious, chemically mediated process resulting in the progressive loss of tooth hard tissue. It is caused by intrinsic acids (such as gastric acid in gastro-oesophageal reflux disease or eating disorders) or extrinsic acids (acidic foods and beverages). Unlike caries, it involves no bacterial activity. Editors must distinguish erosion from 'attrition' (tooth-to-tooth wear), 'abrasion' (wear from external physical agents), and 'abfraction' (cervical lesions attributed to occlusal stress). The BEWE (Basic Erosive Wear Examination) index is the standard scoring system.
Usage
Usage note: 'Perimolysis' is an older synonym for erosion caused specifically by gastric acid; avoid unless citing historical literature. The BEWE score should be abbreviated consistently once introduced.
In Context
- "Palatal erosion of the upper anterior teeth was consistent with a history of self-induced vomiting." — Dental examination clinical notes
- "The patient was counselled on dietary modification to slow progression of dental erosion affecting all posterior teeth." — Preventive dentistry patient record