Reading the Signs of Tooth Wear
Discover how recognizing the causes and patterns of tooth wear can help oral health professionals identify underlying concerns and guide effective treatment.
Which of the following is a primary cause of attrition?
monticelllo / iStock / Getty Images Plus
Attrition involves the wearing away of tooth structure through tooth-to-tooth contact, often during chewing or parafunctional activities such as grinding. Increased or imbalanced occlusal forces can contribute to this type of wear.
Which clinical finding is classically associated with dental erosion caused by bulimia nervosa?
domoyega / E+
Repeated exposure to stomach acid from vomiting can cause erosive tooth wear. Erosion on the palatal surfaces of anterior and posterior teeth is a classic sign associated with bulimia nervosa.
Which approach is recommended when evaluating a patient with tooth wear?
Zorica Nastasic / E+
Effective management begins with identifying the cause and evaluating the pattern and progression of tooth wear, the patient’s age, risk factors, and treatment concerns. Depending on the findings, care may range from preventive strategies and monitoring to restorative treatment.
