A personal perspective and update on erosive tooth wear - 10 years on: Part 1 - Diagnosis and prevention

Tooth wear has been recognised as an increasing problem over the past 10 years. Recent data from epidemiological studies indicate that the condition is common with prevalence of dentine exposure in adults ranging between 2% and 10% and visible surface changes on teeth observed up to 30% of European adults. The Basic Erosive Wear Examination (BEWE) was designed for general practitioners to score the severity using similar protocols as the Basic Periodontal Examination (BPE). The role of the BEWE is partly to increase awareness, but also a means to record the severity in the clinical notes. Over the past 10 years toothpaste manufacturers have launched products to prevent progression of erosive tooth wear using specially formulated fluorides or calcium based products. Probably the most important preventive advice is to reduce the frequency of acidic foods and drinks, particularly outside meal times.