Tag: erosion

The objective of this project is to address potential sources of occupational acid tooth erosion and identify effective supportive therapies for patients who suffer from it. Specifically in this case I identified the fumes from chromic acid used in welding shops to clean metal as the main etiologic factor in my patient’s acid tooth erosion. I came to this conclusion by conducting a thorough history as well as a diet analysis. When this proved inconclusive, I reviewed the patient’s lifestyle habits including occupation and was able to find research on welders experiencing acid tooth erosion. I implemented supportive therapy for this patient through patient education, changing work habits (wearing a proper respirator at all times), chewing pH neutralizing xylitol gum at work, restoring eroded/missing dentition, and use of a nighttime occlusal appliance. Although difficult to measure over a short period, the patient has since experienced less xerostomia, lower incidence of caries and tooth fracturing due to acid erosion. The patient has also shared some of the supportive strategies with his fellow co-workers at the welding shop who did not know that chromic acid gas inhalation could have such an affect on their oral health. It is very important to conduct a thorough history with patients experiencing acid tooth erosion because it may be coming from the source we least expect it to. If we can intervene early, we can help prevent its progression and improve the oral health status of the patients affected by it.