What can cause enamel erosion in patients with Crohn's disease or colitis?

• A. Reflux/vomiting
• B. Soft drinks
• C. Bleaching agents
• D. Mechanical wear

Answer: (A)

Enamel erosion is a chemical loss of mineral from the tooth surface caused by acids, not a mechanical wearing process. In patients with Crohn's disease or colitis, frequent vomiting or reflux can bring gastric acid into the mouth. This acid has a very low pH and readily dissolves the mineral in enamel, especially with repeated exposures, leading to smooth, glossy areas and cupping near the gumline over time.

While soft drinks are also acidic and can erode enamel in general, the question focuses on what specifically related to Crohn's disease or colitis would cause erosion, and the reflux/vomiting pathway directly links the GI condition to acid exposure in the mouth. Bleaching agents can affect surface appearance but do not produce true erosive wear from gastric acid, and mechanical wear stems from physical abrasion or attrition rather than acid dissolution.