Aim: The aim of this case-control study was to compare the associated risk factors between adults with tooth wear (TW) and age- and sex-matched controls without TW.
Methods: Fifty participants with TW and 50 age- and sex-matched controls participated in this study. A questionnaire was prepared to assess oral healthcare and consumption of erosive food and drinks. All participants completed the diet analysis forms. Saliva characteristics were evaluated with GC Saliva-Check BUFFER test. Examiners measured the TW of case patients, using the TW index. Data were statistically analyzed using Chi-square and Mann-Whitney U-tests (P < 0.05).
Results: Individuals in the case group brush their teeth more often (P < 0.05). The difference in erosive food consumption between the case and control groups was significant (P < 0.05). There was no erosive effect of acidic food when consumed as a main meal or a snack (P > 0.05). Although there was no difference between stimulated saliva flow rate and buffering capacity between groups, the difference between the resting saliva flow rates and pH values was significant (P < 0.05). Although some wear was seen on buccal/labial surfaces of teeth, cervical and occlusal/incisal surfaces were scored higher. No TW was observed on palatal/lingual surfaces. The cervical surfaces of mandibular premolars and incisal surfaces of anterior teeth were most affected.
Conclusion: Of the factors investigated, TW in the case group was correlated with consumption of acidic foods, lower salivary flow rate, and pH.
Keywords: Diet; oral hygiene; risk factors; saliva; tooth wear.