Is the number of people affected by acid wear increasing?
Yes, the number of people showing signs of acid wear is rising due to the number of people keeping their natural teeth longer, combined with the acidity in the modern diet. In the 20th Century, dental diseases, for example tooth decay and gum disease, were widespread. This greatly affected the life span of teeth and meant that most people did not retain their teeth for life. Improved oral hygiene and restorative treatments have extended the life span of teeth in the 21st Century. However, as teeth are lasting longer they are subject to the effects of wear, particularly from acids and tooth brushing, over a longer time period.