Coming from Etobicoke for a longer appointment? We plan erosion assessments so each visit does real work, from recording a baseline to agreeing what to protect, monitor or repair, and when to seek help closer to home.
When the drive is longer, it pays to arrive prepared. An erosion assessment works best with three things in hand: an honest sense of your daily drinks and meals, a list of medicines, and any earlier dental records you can obtain. With those, a single appointment can establish what is happening and what should happen next.
Tooth erosion is wear caused by acids that do not come from bacteria, such as those in some drinks, foods or stomach contents. It differs from a cavity, though the two may coexist. Grinding, brushing pressure and ageing restorations can produce lookalike marks. For that reason, we read the overall pattern before naming a cause or recommending a filling.
For anyone making the trip from Etobicoke, we keep the plan compact. The first visit covers history, examination and baseline records, with time for private conversation about sensitive topics such as reflux or vomiting. We explain every question. Then we agree on priorities and space reviews sensibly, so you are not returning more often than the findings justify.
Jot down when you first noticed a change and whether it is getting worse. Copies of past dental records or older smile photos can be useful; we will interpret them alongside the examination.
Note any teeth that appear smoother, shorter, more see-through at the edges or slightly hollowed. The dentist will chart where wear appears and compare it with other findings. A tooth’s appearance does not on its own reveal how quickly it changed or whether change is ongoing.
Write down what triggers discomfort, how long it lasts and which teeth react. Sensitivity has many causes and does not measure how much enamel has been lost. A tooth that is suddenly very painful may need prompt care for a separate problem.
Frequent acidic drinks, reflux and repeated vomiting are all relevant. Share as much as you feel able to. We can talk about protecting the teeth and whether a physician should look at an exposure that dental treatment by itself cannot fix.
Keep taking prescribed medicines and avoid dramatic diet changes before your visit. A current medication list and any relevant medical information will help us coordinate advice with your family doctor or specialist.
Enamel lost to acid is not replaced by the body, and a restoration does not stop the source that caused the loss. Efficient care therefore focuses first on the exposures that matter most. Prevention and sensitivity management begin straight away, while any decision to rebuild is made on clear grounds rather than by default.
A worn spot may be perfectly reasonable to watch. What tips the balance toward repair is its depth, your comfort, function, appearance and whether it is changing. Ask which markers will be compared at your next visit and what result would alter the plan. Knowing that in advance helps you judge whether a review is worth the drive.
Patient information: American Dental Association — dental erosion
Linking the location of wear with your history can usually produce a useful explanation at the first appointment. Where several contributors seem likely, we tell you so rather than guess at one.
Most protective steps happen between appointments. Tell us which recommendations would be hard to keep up, so we can adjust them to your work, family and health needs.
If restorations are advised, ask what each is meant to achieve and whether several can sensibly be planned together. Each repair should have a purpose, such as protection or comfort, rather than simply matching neighbours.
You do not need to know why your teeth are wearing. If we ask for a symptom note or a sample day of food and drink in advance, a quick honest version is perfect.
We go over symptoms, changes you have seen, health conditions and medicines. Reflux, vomiting, dry mouth and diet may be discussed. If you would like to talk about part of this in private, simply ask.
Teeth, existing restorations and bite are assessed in detail. Notes, photographs or other suitable records capture a baseline so future comparisons are meaningful. Extra investigations are suggested only when they would answer a specific question.
We discuss which exposures you can reduce, how sensitivity will be eased and whether any surface needs repair. Medical input can be coordinated if relevant. Ask for the proposed stages, how many visits they involve and an estimate of costs before starting restorative work.
Follow-up compares symptoms, your experience with the plan and any changes in the teeth. The timing depends on findings, not a fixed routine. If concerns remain or wear continues, the plan may be investigated further or changed.
Use the guidance matched to your own exposures. Enamel care should support a varied diet and your general health, not turn mealtimes into a worry.
If a drink or habit has been flagged as a likely contributor, discuss having it less often and with meals. Do not swish acidic drinks around the teeth. Plain water is a good default between meals.
Use a fluoride toothpaste that suits you, and avoid abrasive pastes or heavy-handed brushing. Ask which technique and products are right for your teeth. Specialised toothpastes help some people but do not tackle the acid source.
Raise recurring reflux, vomiting or dry mouth with your doctor. Never stop or adjust medication on your own. After vomiting, rinsing with water can help clear acid; ask us for tailored advice if it happens often.
Patient information: UK oral health guidance — managing and monitoring tooth wear
People travelling further often want to understand the process in advance. Here are answers to common questions, which we can expand on once we have examined your teeth.
Schedule an assessment at our Bronte Street clinic for worn, sensitive or changing teeth. Bring your medication list, any past dental records and your questions about everyday habits. We will explain our findings, outline next steps and plan any follow-up so your visits are well organised.
If pain is severe or there is swelling, please call. Online requests are for non-urgent appointments.
