Diagnosis of severe dental erosive wear: case report

Abstract

Introduction: Dental erosive wear is the loss of mineralized dental tissue caused by the chemical action of acids. This condition has shown a significant increase in prevalence in recent years. The causes can be extrinsic or intrinsic. Early recognition of clinical signs is crucial for the preservation of natural dentition and proper development. Case Report: a 6-year and 3-month-old school-aged child with Mixed Expressive Language Disorder attends the Health Center at Clínica Universidad de Los Andes seeking dental treatment due to “having very tiny teeth and cavities.” The patient presented a BEWE dental erosion index of 18, gingivitis, and bilateral crossbite. A risk factor questionnaire and visual diagnostic tools were used, identifying dietary factors related to dental erosive wear. Treatment began with a dietary habit modification plan, which included educating and raising awareness among the parents about the current diet and gradually eliminating foods with high cariogenic risk and acidic content. Conclusions: It is essential to apply diagnostic assessment tools for dental erosive wear to ensure accurate detection and to identify its causes, as part of a key strategy to implement therapeutic and preventive measures tailored to the dietary and behavioral habits, as well as the health history, of each patient and their family.