Acidity and Dentistry: Problems and Solutions

Dentists are often the first health care professionals to diagnose dental erosion in patients with gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD). Early recognition of dental erosion is important to prevent serious irreversible damage to the dentition. This requires awareness of the clinical appearance of erosion compared to other forms of tooth wear. An understanding of the etiologies and risk factors for erosion is also important. These form the basis of a diagnostic protocol and management strategy that addresses the multifactorial nature of tooth wear. The primary dental care team has the expertise and the responsibility to provide this care for their Patient's with erosion. Treatment of dental erosion resulting from GERD involves a multidisciplinary approach among family physician, dentist, prosthodontist, orthodontist and gastroenterologist. When possible, dental erosion should be treated with minimal intervention, and such treatment should include control of microflora, remineralization, adhesive restorations and use of biomimetic materials.