Occupational dental erosion: clinical aspects and prevention

Abstract

Objective: The objectives of this study were to document professions where the incidence of occupational dental erosion is common among employees, the clinical features of this disease, and how to guide workers in preventing dental erosion. Materials and Methods: We searched the PubMed/Medline, Capes Portal, and Scielo databases using the keywords occupational, dental, and erosion. Full articles written in Portuguese and English were included in this study. Articles published before 2000 and those that did not contain the targeted theme were deleted. Results: There was a lack of standardization amongst the studies reviewed, which makes comparisons between articles difficult. Characteristics of dental erosion were often associated with other non-carious processes, limits in vivo works. Conclusion: Professions commonly associated with the occurrence of dental erosion include those where personnel work with batteries, chemicals, dyes, minerals, and industrial metal; dental erosion is also common amongst wine tasters and professional swimmers. Managers and safety coordinators should ensure personnel are well-informed of preventive measures that can be taken in the workplace to avoid and minimize the incidence of dental erosion.