Prevalence of erosive wear lesions in Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease patients – A case series

Abstract

Extra esophageal manifestation of Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) include erosive wear dental lesions. Early erosive wear lesions in this group of patients can be easily missed as they are accompanied by few clinical signs and hardly any symptoms. This case series aims to report the prevalence and severity of erosive wear lesions amongst a sample of GERD patients in Malaysia. Eleven subjects with well characterized GERD, diagnosed based on modified Reflux Disease Questionnaire (RDQ) or via endoscopy, were included in this case series. A standardized intra oral clinical examination was performed to assess presence and severity of erosive wear lesions on tooth surfaces using Basic Erosive Wear Examination (BEWE) index. Majority of BEWE score 1 lesions were distributed in maxillary anterior teeth, followed by maxillary posterior and mandibular teeth. BEWE score 2 lesions were most prevalent in maxillary anterior teeth and there were no BEWE score 3 lesions observed. Based on the clinical findings, more erosive wear lesions were found on the buccal surfaces of maxillary and mandibular teeth in GERD patients. This case series further confirms the link between GERD and erosive wear lesions. The authors would like to highlight the need for both medical and dental practitioners to be aware of early clinical presentations of GERD and erosive wear lesions. Early diagnoses allow for intervention and conservative management of these conditions.