Erosion is best described as which of the following?

• A. Tooth-to-tooth wear
• B. Chemical dissolution (acid)
• C. Mechanical stress causing microfractures at cervical areas
• D. Wear from external objects

Answer: (B)

Erosion refers to the chemical loss of tooth structure caused by acids, not by bacteria or physical wear. When acids come into contact with enamel, hydrogen ions dissolve the mineral content, leading to smooth, cupped-out lesions from dietary or gastric acids. That’s why the best description is chemical dissolution (acid).

The other processes describe different mechanisms: tooth-to-tooth wear is attrition from grinding or clenching; microfractures at cervical areas due to mechanical stress describe abfraction; wear from external objects is abrasion, such as brushing or contact with abrasive materials.