Erosive Tooth Wear Management
Enamel erosion treatment and management
Early diagnosis of erosive tooth wear is important and, if found, preventive measures should be taken.1
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Helping patients treat and prevent erosive tooth wear
Patients showing the early signs of enamel wear can follow three simple steps to help protect their enamel and manage the condition before it reaches moderate and severe levels.1,2
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1. Acid exposure
Minimise exposure to acids1,2
- Aim to eat fruit with meals to minimize the impact
- Limit carbonated and acidic drinks to mealtimes
- Avoid grazing on acidic foods or holding against teeth
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2. Appropriate brushing
Brush teeth with appropriate technique and timing
- Brush gently but thoroughly with a soft-medium toothbrush1
- Avoid brushing immediately after consuming acidic food and drink1
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3. Specialised toothpaste
Use a specialised toothpaste optimised for high fluoride uptake
- Brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste2
- Ensure the toothpaste has standard or low abrasivity2
- Recommend a specialised toothpaste to help improve protection from erosive tooth wear2
Enamel wear prevention in practice
The most important preventive action for patients with erosive tooth wear is to ensure that the potential sources of wear are identified and removed, and lifestyle is modified.2
The following actions are based on the latest UK Department of Health oral healthcare guidelines and may help your patients prevent erosive tooth wear:2
- Investigate patients’ general health, diet and tooth brushing behaviours
- Identify possible sources of acid and wear
- Tailor advice to the needs of each individual patient to manage their erosive tooth wear. Ensure patients use a toothpaste containing fluoride
- Monitor and record erosive tooth wear using the BEWE. Learn more about the BEWE here
- Consult/refer to the wider medical team for advice on managing intrinsic sources of acid, such as reflux or eating disorders, and medications
Pronamel – helping manage and protect your patients against erosive tooth wear
Causes and mechanisms
Find out about the causes and mechanisms behind erosive tooth wear.
Impact on patient quality of life
Find out about the impact erosive tooth wear has on patients’ daily lives.
