Gradual wearing down of structures in the body. The term is applied to the effect of TUMOURS, when they cause destruction of tissue in their neighbourhood without actually growing into the latter: for example, an ANEURYSM may erode bones in its neighbourhood. The term is also applied to minute ULCERS – for example, erosions of the stomach, caused by extreme acidity of the gastric juice.
Dental erosion
is the loss of tooth substance due to a cause other than decay or trauma. This is usually as a result of the presence of acid; for example, frequent vomiting or the excessive intake of citrus fruits. The teeth appear very smooth and later develop saucer-shaped depressions.