Prevention of Dental Erosion

Prevention of tooth erosion depends on compliance, oral hygiene and diet modification.  Erosion can be caused by a number of factors.

Medical/dental history:

• Grinding the teeth at night
• Bulimia, vomiting, ruminating
• Gastric reflux
• Dry mouth syndrome

Oral hygiene habits that can cause tooth enamel damage :

• Toothbrushing methods and frequency
• Type of toothpaste
• Dietary History
• Acidic foods
• Frequency of acidic beverage use
• Method of ingestion (swishing, swallowing)
• Occupational History
• Wine tasting
• Regular swimmer (chlorine in pools lowers pH)
• Environmental work hazards (eg working in an acid or sugar laden environment)

Dental erosion prevention :

1. Reducing frequency and severity of acid challenges - Decrease amount and frequency of acidic foods and drinks, e.g. soft/exercise drinks, vinegar or lemon based salad dressings, cordials, white wines, (especially sparkling wines).  Increase water intake whenever possible.  Avoid caffeine and alcohol as these dry up saliva flow.  Use a straw to minimise erosive contact of soft drinks.  Drink acidic beverages quickly rather than sipping of swishing.  Gastric reflux, regurgitation and rumination should be medically treated.  Bulimia or other eating disorders need medical and/or psychological referral.
2. Increasing saliva flow and acid buffering properties - Use of sugarless and re-calcifying gums and pastes.
3. Increasing acid resistance, remineralisation and rehardening of teeth - Regular home use of high fluoride toothpastes and rinses.  We may suggest a full saliva test to check buffering.  The use of a neutral fluoride mouthwash or gel.  Professional fluoride treatment at least three times a year.  Neutralise acids with use of sugarless re-calcifying gums.  Regular application of fluoride gels in conjunction with re-calcifying mousses.  Hard cheeses after acid attacks to provide a source of calcium and phosphate.
4. Reducing abrasion - Use extra soft toothbrushes and low abrasion toothpastes.  Do not brush immediately following acid attack.  Rinse with milk after acid attacks or use Recaldent gum
   Protection - Fitting of composites or porcelain veneers over exposed dentine/cementum tooth surfaces. Regular dental review, assessment and treatment. Wearing of an occulsal night splint in cases of bruxism (grinding).