There are three main dental acid erosion patterns that have been associated with different likely causes (A, B, and C).
A = Diet
B = GERD - Gastroesophageal reflux disease also known as hot burps
C = Bulimia or Alcoholism
Here is link to a visual of what the patterns look like
Why do the patterns form this way?
A = These acids come from an outside source such as food or something your drink. When you eat acidic foods like soda and sour candy, the chewing surface, tongue, and cheek surfaces on the back molars begins to get chalky or demineralize.
B = These acids are internal. Stomach acid travels up your throat and into your mouth, usually when you are sleeping. This causes significant tooth loss since you are swallowing less when you are sleeping and your mouth is producing less saliva which protects your teeth from acidic attack.
C = When the acids start attacking the front teeth on the tongue side, it may be an indication of recurrent vomiting or alcoholism. These acids come from within you and are intrinsic acid.
Where does the Acid Come From, Internal or External Sources?
A = Extrinsic, an outside source of acid such as dietary acids.
B & C = Intrinsic, an internal source of acid such as gastric acids.
Erosion: Stomach Upset and Your Teeth. (n.d.). Retrieved
March 29, 2019, from https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/e/tooth-erosion-and-acid-refluxAda.org. (2018).
My education consists of a Bachelor of Liberal Arts Degree in Business Administration & Art. Since then I have taken classes in chemistry, organic chemistry, biology, physics, and microbiology to pursue a career as a dentist; I studied to apply for dental school but was unable to pursue it due to medical reasons.