Dietary assessment and counseling for dental erosion

• Published in: The Journal of the American Dental Association (1939) Vol. 149; no. 2; pp. 148 - 152
• Main Author: Marshall, Teresa A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Inc 01-02-2018
• Subjects: anorexia nervosa; bulimia nervosa; Dentistry; diet; Erosion; gastroesophageal reflux; bulimia nervosa; diet; anorexia nervosa; gastroesophageal reflux; Erosion
• ISSN: 0002-8177; 1943-4723
• DOI: 10.1016/j.adaj.2017.11.006

Dental erosion occurs after exposure to intrinsic or extrinsic acids. Exposure to intrinsic gastrointestinal acids is associated with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, rumination syndrome, or gastroesophageal reflux. Extrinsic dietary acids from foods or beverages also can cause erosion, particularly when exposure is prolonged by holding or swishing behaviors.
Clinicians should screen patients exhibiting dental erosion for anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, rumination syndrome, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Clinicians should screen patients without a medical explanation for their erosion for exposure to acidic foods and beverages, particularly for habits that prolong exposure.
Identification of intrinsic and extrinsic acid exposures and recommendations to minimize exposures are important to prevent erosion and maintain oral health.