Factors Related to Erosive Tooth Wear throughout a Lifetime.

Factors related to the development of erosive tooth wear (ETW) over a lifetime can largely be divided into dietary, environmental and/or patient related. As the properties of the teeth change over time, these factors will be involved at different ages, and the susceptibility to ETW will vary according to age. Based on the available literature, dietary acid is the most important determinant of ETW. Various eating/drinking habits and oral hygiene routines are considered moderate factors in children and minor factors in adults. Medications and use of illicit drugs in adolescents and adults are potentially moderate factors in ETW and are often associated with confounding factors that drive the wear process forward. Some environmental and occupational factors in adolescents and adults can also be associated with ETW, particularly in special groups such as professional/competitive swimmers or other elite athletes and factory workers. Medical conditions such as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and eating disorders are considered possible ETW factors in the primary dentition and major factors in the permanent dentition. The quality and quantity of saliva and pellicle may play a role in ETW, although salivary composition and flow rate can change over a lifetime. In conclusion, dental health professionals should be aware of the various factors that can be related to the development of ETW during a lifetime. Patients should be provided with relevant information about these factors, as well as recommendations for preventing and/or reducing/adjusting these factors.