IADR Abstract Archives

Risk Factors for Non-carious Cervical Lesions

Introduction: A non-carious cervical lesion (NCCL) is an area of tooth surface loss at the cervical region of the tooth, commonly located on premolars. Recent evidence points to a multi-factorial etiology that includes factors such as low salivary buffering capacity, gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), aggressive tooth-brushing habits or dietary intake of acidic food substances.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the presence of historical and physical risk factors for toothwear in subjects with and without NCCL's.

Methods: Subjects consisted of 38 cases and 32 controls of similar age and sex distribution recruited from the patients, students and staff at the UW School of Dentistry. Case eligibility criteria included the presence of at least 4 occluding bicuspid teeth, with at least one NCCL. Control subject criteria included at least 4 occluding bicuspid teeth and no NCCL's on any teeth. The presence of cervical caries was exclusionary. Questionnaires with items regarding symptoms of GERD and tooth-brushing habits were administered. Clinical assessment of occlusal interferences in centric and excursive jaw movements were assessed by mylar paper. Salivary flow rate, pH and buffering capacity were also assessed. Data were analyzed by t-test and chi-square analysis comparison of the risk factors in each group.

Results: No significant differences were found for the presence of GERD, tooth-brushing habits or occlusal factors for the two groups. However, the cases had a significantly lower mean submandibular salivary pH than the controls (6.1 ± 0.70 SD vs 6.6 ± 0.74 SD, p=0.002, respectively). There was a greater percentage of cases with low stimulated whole salivary buffering capacity than controls (21.1% vs 9.4%, p=0.18).

Conclusion: The results suggest that salivary factors play a larger role than other risk factors for the presence of NCCL's.

Supported by NIH Grant No. TL1RR025016


IADR/AADR/CADR General Session
2009 IADR/AADR/CADR General Session (Miami, Florida)
Miami, Florida
2009
3403
Salivary Research
  • Ghandhari, Ara  ( University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA )
  • Gandara, Beatrice  ( University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA )
  • Mancl, Lloyd  ( University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA )
  • Buse, Daciana  ( University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA )
    • Poster Session
    Salivary Diagnostics
    04/04/2009