For these patients, it is imperative that we talk about prevention of acid damage and repair where this has taken place. Being married to a former viticulturist/winemaker Damien de Castella, I know first- hand what toll this job can take on your teeth!
PREVENTION AND TEATMENT OF EROSION
Any person working in the wine industry who regularly tastes fruit on the vine, a ferment or mature wine is at risk of dental erosion. This is because the acidity of the fruit is often high and it can strip away the protective enamel coating and render the teeth sensitive, stained and reduced in height.
The implications of these effects are numerous and prevention is far better than cure! – One of the best approaches is a set of dental guards that can be used to increase the fluoride content of the teeth before acid exposure and after via remineralisation.
These guards can also be used to lighten the teeth with dental bleach slowly and gently when stained. Moreover, the use of composite resin in winemakers has gathered popularity, especially when loss of the enamel and dentine has subsequently caused a loss in the vertical dimension of the face. Sadly, this can result in changes to appearance, speech and function.