Methods of assessing erosion and erosive potential

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Biomaterials Science
• Oral Health Research

Background:

• Dental erosion is a growing concern in oral health.
• Accurate methods are needed to assess and quantify tooth wear.
• Existing techniques vary in complexity and application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively review and classify methods for studying dental erosion.
• To cover techniques applicable to in vitro, animal, and clinical settings.
• To summarize the advantages and limitations of different assessment approaches.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and classification of existing methodologies.
• Categorization based on application: in vitro, animal models, and clinical settings.
• Inclusion of techniques such as chemical analysis, microscopy, digital imaging, and clinical indices.

Main Results:

• Methods for in vitro studies include extracted teeth analysis, chemical/physical tests, digital imaging, and SEM.
• Animal models utilize modified in vitro techniques, Restarski's system, and digital imaging.
• Clinical assessment involves case histories, clinical examination, severity scales, and diagnostic indices.

Conclusions:

• A wide array of methods exists for studying dental erosion across different research contexts.
• Each method possesses unique advantages and limitations that influence its applicability.
• Understanding these techniques is crucial for effective dental erosion research and diagnosis.