Clinical Strategies to Prevent and Manage Erosive Tooth Wear

Pathological tooth wear was rarely seen in ancient civilizations, and most of it was abrasion or attrition. While its prevalence and severity have increased in children and adults, ETW is a totally preventable condition for most individuals. Progressive ETW can lead to poor aesthetics, sensitivity, loss of function, and sometimes loss of self-esteem. (Figure 22).

Figure 22.

Figure 22.

Facial view of dentition of a 23 year-old-male with ETW, a condition that can lead to poor aesthetics, sensitivity, loss of function, and sometimes loss of self-esteem.

Early identification and prevention is key. By the time lesions are clearly visible to the patient, restorative intervention and life-long dental treatment may be required. Regularly screening all patients for ETW makes it possible to diagnose erosive lesions at the earliest possible stage and allows implementation of preventive and treatment measures to preserve tooth structure and help stop further damage.