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Causes
The prevalence of tooth wear has increased markedly over recent years. Much
of this is linked to changes in diet and oral care.
1. Teeth are lasting longer
Increased success by dentistry in the management of caries and periodontal
diseases has extended the longevity of the natural dentition. Healthy
unrestored teeth are exposed for longer periods of time to the gradual
processes of everyday wear.1
2. The modern diet paradox
Modern diets are often rich in acids from a wide range of sources. Notably,
many fruits, fruit juices and carbonated drinks -- including the sugar-free
variants2 -- have a low pH, sufficient to soften and demineralize enamel
surfaces at approx pH 5.5 and below, and dentin at pH 6.5 and below,
depending upon other factors such as titratable acidity, and calcium,
phosphate and fluoride content.1
Acid temporarily softens the surface of the enamel. It is a process normally
mitigated by the natural action of saliva due to the presence of calcium,
but frequent or prolonged acidic encounters leave less time for
remineralization to occur. In this weakened state, surface enamel is prone
to wear from the abrasive action of toothpaste and tooth brushing.1
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