Dental erosion due to lime consumption; review of literature and case report

Abstract

Background: Dental health is increasingly threatened by dental erosion introduced by today’s lifestyle. Extrinsic factor is the most implicated. Few literatures mentioned lime-incited dental erosion.

Case Description: A 49 year old woman was referred to our clinic with tooth wear and sensitivity. She was in good health but on daily dose of anti-hypertensive drugs for three years. Intraorally, classical erosive lesions were observed on the occlusal surfaces of the molars but of note are the lesions on the bucco-gingival surfaces of the maxillary incisors and the mandibular premolars. Dietary history eventually yielded inappropriate use of lime juice in order to slim down her weight.

Clinical Implications: The use lime must be considered when assessing dietary causes of erosion. Extensive dental damage and dentine hypersensitivity are classical clinical features. Dentists must be able to make a diagnosis of lime-incited dental destruction and to institute the necessary therapeutic and preventive measures.