Author: Yip Kevin HK , Smales Roger J , Kaidonis John A

Tooth surface loss from acid erosion, or corrosion, is now recognized as a major cause of tooth wear. Increasingly, advanced erosion from endogenous and exogenous acids is affecting the teeth of even young children. Because many people also are retaining their natural teeth into old age, and are taking multiple medications for various ailments, the effective management of increased tooth wear is becoming a significant problem. Unless halted, erosion may lead to widespread exposure of dentin with resulting unsightly appearance of the teeth, hypersensitivity and reduced masticatory function. The costs of treatment and rehabilitation may then be considerable. Erosion frequently coexists to varying extents with other tooth wear processes, such as abrasion and attrition, but erosion is often not recognized as being present or is confused with other wear mechanisms. Evidence of erosion and hyposalivation should be investigated carefully in all instances of tooth wear. The aim of this book is to inform dental practitioners, other health care professionals and students of the causes and treatment of tooth surface loss from erosion. Chapters are presented as a series of extensively-referenced articles, which include information on the importance of the oral environment and lifestyle behaviors in influencing tooth erosion, and practical information on the prevention of tooth erosion and the restoration of lost tooth substance. Some information is repeated briefly for convenience in the chapters on the treatment of different situations involving tooth erosion. Although there are numerous books available on dental caries, which has a significantly-decreased prevalence now in many countries, there are few succinct texts available on tooth wear, and particularly on tooth erosion.

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