Which finding would indicate erosion on the lingual surfaces of the maxillary anterior teeth?

Which finding would indicate erosion on the lingual surfaces of the maxillary anterior teeth?

• A. White dental plaque
• B. Enlarged salivary glands
• C. Erosion on lingual surfaces of maxillary anterior teeth
• D. Fluorosis

Answer: (C)

Erosion is the chemical loss of enamel from acids, and intrinsic acids from reflux or vomiting commonly attack the palatal/lingual surfaces of the maxillary anterior teeth. Seeing actual erosion on those lingual surfaces directly signals this process, because you’re observing the characteristic pattern of wear caused by acid exposure. Clinically, you’d expect smooth, glossy, slightly cupped or scooped areas on the lingual aspect of the upper front teeth, sometimes with a gradual reduction in incisal edges as it progresses. The other options don’t describe acid-related enamel loss: white plaque is biofilm, enlarged salivary glands are not about enamel wear, and fluorosis is a developmental enamel defect that appears as white opaque areas rather than acid-induced surface loss.

Erosion is the chemical loss of enamel from acids, and intrinsic acids from reflux or vomiting commonly attack the palatal/lingual surfaces of the maxillary anterior teeth. Seeing actual erosion on those lingual surfaces directly signals this process, because you’re observing the characteristic pattern of wear caused by acid exposure. Clinically, you’d expect smooth, glossy, slightly cupped or scooped areas on the lingual aspect of the upper front teeth, sometimes with a gradual reduction in incisal edges as it progresses. The other options don’t describe acid-related enamel loss: white plaque is biofilm, enlarged salivary glands are not about enamel wear, and fluorosis is a developmental enamel defect that appears as white opaque areas rather than acid-induced surface loss.