Dental erosion due to excessive wine consumption

Excessive wine consumption can cause extensive erosion. This erosion is compounded when wine is consumed without accompanying solid food and exacerbated when the patient has significant xerostomia. Wine must be considered as a cause when assessing patients with widespread dental erosion. A thorough history and follow-up (utilizing a food diary) can be very helpful, especially when backed up by a reliable second party. Alcoholics may be in denial; in any case, the presence of a family member or close trusted person as a second party also is useful for rehabilitation and recovery. Early diagnosis and timely and appropriate intervention is important in preventing further damage and resultant pain and suffering. No form of dental treatment can succeed if the underlying causes are not addressed.