Restorative & Materials · patient case question
Which advice is most appropriate for this patient regarding her lemon consumption?
Patient case: Erosion in a High-Acid Diet
demo: 27-year-old female
chief: “My back teeth feel notched and everything is sensitive.”
history: Consumes 5–7 whole lemons daily. Reports nocturnal bruxism. No reflux, no purging behavior.
meds: None
findings: Cupped, smooth, glossy defects on the occlusal surfaces of the posterior teeth with amalgam restorations standing proud of the surrounding enamel. Generalized dentin hypersensitivity.
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Reduce the frequency of lemon intake, and rinse with water — not brush — immediately after acid exposure
- A. Correct. Reducing frequency limits total acid exposure, and rinsing with water or a bicarbonate solution neutralizes the surface. Brushing should be delayed roughly 30–60 minutes while the softened enamel remineralizes.
- B. Brushing softened enamel immediately after an acid challenge accelerates loss; abrasive whitening pastes make it worse.
- C. Peroxide does nothing for erosion and adds another irritant.
- D. Sipping lemonade over hours extends the acid exposure time and is worse than a single concentrated challenge.
Note: Frequency of exposure, not concentration, is the dominant erosive variable — sipping is the poorer choice.
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