Tooth Wear and Associated Risk Factors

This study compares the associated risk factors between adults with tooth wear and age- and sex-matched controls without tooth wear.

Some people are at greater risk due to their eating and brushing habits. Poor oral health behaviors and malnutrition are the leading causes of tooth surface loss in adults. Fluid consumption trends have changed, and the increased consumption of carbonated drinks coincides with a decline in the consumption of dairy products and increases in the use of packaged products. Frequent and faulty brushing with abrasive oral hygiene products can also increase TW. Individuals unhappy with the color of their teeth may also frequently use whitening toothpaste. Saliva is considered the biological factor with the greatest potential to modify the progression of TW. There are several potential mechanisms by which saliva may protect enamel from dietary acid erosion. Saliva protection mechanisms include the dilution of erosive agents in the mouth, neutralization, effects of calcium and phosphate ions, and slowing of the rate of enamel dissolution. The loss of dental tissue can lead to the character's loss of precision and form, and in advanced stages the dentin surface can be exposed. TW is initially painless and unrecognizable. In the next stage, complaints often include tenderness and non-aesthetic factors. It is difficult to recognize the signs of TW and very important to avoid premature diagnosis, as TW can often be diagnosed by a dentist. Correct diagnosis is an important part of the treatment and will help the dentist determine recommendations for the patient.

Highly acidic saliva will be in the red section, pH 5.0 - 5.8. Moderately acidic saliva will be found in the yellow section, pH 6.0 - 6.6. Healthy saliva will be in the green section pH 6.8 - 7.8.

Scoring the tooth wear, Smith and Knight's index (0=No loss of enamel surface characteristics, 1=Loss of enamel surface characteristics, 2=Loss of enamel exposing dentine for less than one third of surface, 3=Loss of enamel exposing dentine for more than one third of the surface, 4=Complete enamel loss, pulp exposure, secondary dentine exposure

Inclusion Criteria: Subject is in good health. Subject is able to understand and read the questionnaire. Exclusion Criteria: Wearing orthodontic appliances, Having crowns or partial dentures Using any medications.

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