New Challenges of Child and Adolescent Health: Implications for Ora...

This course describes the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical diagnosis and treatment of dental erosion. Erosion is the process by which tooth mineral is irreversibly lost due to the action of acid. This is a direct pH effect that occurs when the critical pH of dental enamel (< 5.5) is breached. All acids, whether from intrinsic (such as that produced by gastric acid reflux) or extrinsic sources (e.g. dietary such as yoghurt, pickles, soft drinks - especially sports drinks), are capable of demineralizing tooth enamel if they produce a pH at the enamel surface that is lower than the critical pH.