Methods for assessment of dental erosion

Area of Science:

• Dental research
• Materials science
• Biomineralization

Background:

• Dental hard tissues, particularly enamel, are susceptible to mineral loss and surface softening caused by erosive challenges.
• Understanding these alterations is crucial for developing effective preventive and therapeutic strategies in dentistry.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and discuss various assessment techniques used to evaluate dental hard tissue and enamel alterations induced by erosion.
• To highlight the necessity of employing multiple analytical approaches for a complete understanding of erosive demineralization.

Main Methods:

• Review of frequently adopted techniques including profilometry, microscopy (SEM, AFM), microradiography, nano- and microhardness testing, and iodide permeability tests.
• Discussion of methods for chemical analysis of dissolved minerals from dental hard tissues.

Main Results:

• A range of techniques are available for analyzing erosively altered dental hard tissues.
• No single technique is sufficient to fully comprehend the complex processes of erosive mineral loss and dissolution.

Conclusions:

• A multi-technique approach is essential for a comprehensive understanding of dental hard tissue erosion.
• Integrating data from diverse assessment methods provides deeper insights into enamel demineralization and surface changes.