Tooth Erosion

Epidemiology Few epidemiological studies of the prevalence and severity of tooth erosion have yet been performed on a national basis. Studies have focused on small groups of patients, often pre-selected, for example because of symptoms. Thus erosion was seen largely in patients with symptoms of gastric reflux (Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease or GORD) and later was recognised in patients with anorexia or bulimia or in patients with unusual dietary habits. It can also be a problem in alcoholics. In some cases erosion has been recognised as an occupational disease where workers have been exposed to acidic fumes, for example in factories making batteries. It is also an occupational disease among wine-tasters and may be seen in professional swimmers who use chlorinated swimming pools. Over the last 10-15 years, however, there has been a steady increase in reports of erosion seen especially in young adults, adolescents and young children. Studies from Switzerland, UK, Republic of Ireland, The Netherlands and Iceland suggest that some signs of erosion can be seen in 20-40 % of subjects but severe erosion into dentine or even into the pulp is perhaps seen in 5% of subjects. The cause of this erosion, especially in children, adolescents and young adults has been largely linked to the high consumption of soft drinks, both fruit juice and carbonated drinks, by these age groups. This link has been made largely in Europe and the problem has received little attention in the literature coming from the USA.