Erosive Tooth Wear Overview

Enamel wear (Erosive tooth wear)

Erosive tooth wear is a progressive, multifactorial condition that may have lasting effects.¹ While enamel is equipped to respond to normal daily acid challenges, frequent and prolonged acid exposure can lead to progressive demineralisation. In this acidic environment, enamel may be unable to remineralise quickly enough between challenges to avoid permanent damage over time.^1,2

With changes in diet and lifestyle, and increasing life expectancy, erosive tooth wear is becoming a significant challenge in the long-term management of dental health.³ Erosive damage may compromise dental health for the rest of the patient’s lifetime, potentially requiring repeated, expensive and complex restoration.³

Erosive tooth wear is a common problem⁴

Erosive tooth wear statistics

97% of adults have evidence of erosive tooth wear (BEWE score >1), according to a new epidemiology study across seven European countries including the UK.⁵ 72% of adults and 40% of young adults (age 18-27) show signs of significant erosive tooth wear (BEWE score >2).
Erosive tooth wear in children

One-third of 5 year-olds in 2013 had evidence of tooth wear on one or more of their primary or upper incisors in the UK.⁶ This increased to 38% of 12 year olds and 44% of 15 year olds having tooth wear on the lingual surfaces of incisors.⁶
Erosive tooth wear effects

Potential patient impact: Long-term erosive tooth wear can lead to a loss of enamel surface features, yellow appearance due to enamel translucency, occlusal cupping and dentine hypersensitivity.⁷

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Causes and mechanisms

Find out about the causes and mechanisms behind erosive tooth wear.

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Impact on patient quality of life

Find out about the impact erosive tooth wear has on patients’ daily lives.

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Diagnosis

Explore an overview of diagnosing erosive tooth wear.

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