Background: Tooth wear has been generally described as being caused by erosion, abrasion and attrition. Erosion is currently believed to be the major factor involved in tooth wear, and its contribution in the development of tooth wear may be increasing. Among the numerous causes of erosion, extrinsic factors are the most common. Damage of tooth tissue has been described in battery factory workers due to acidic aerosol, but this has not been reported among roadside 'battery technicians' who dispense acidic solutions with a pipette, and often taste it to determine its 'specific gravity'.

Case description: A 24-year-old man was referred to the authors' clinic for management of his grossly damaged teeth after presenting for oral diagnosis. History and investigation pointed to extensive erosive lesion as a result of abnormal and prolonged use of lead-acid rechargeable battery solution in his workplace.

Clinical implications: These groups of workers are prone to severe dental erosion, thereby compromising their oral function and health. They are also prone to a range of illnesses, especially kidney disease, because the acid solution is significantly rich in dissolved lead. Therefore, medical referral for complete assessment is required when any of this group present with an unexplained associated illness.