Recognising Tooth Surface Loss

Abstract

This section will emphasise the need to:Distinguish between physiological and pathological tooth surface loss (TSL)Attempt to diagnose the cause of TSL from the appearance and patient history recognising that it is not always clear-cutConsider using a validated screening tool to tailor TSL management to severity, rate of progression and patient-perceived problemsInvestigate patient behaviours predisposing to TSL and their associated time framesSolicit patient cooperation to identify intrinsic erosive factors (e.g. gastro-oesophageal reflux disease or an eating disorder) and intrinsic erosive factors (e.g. fruit juices, wines and sports drinks)Distinguish between sleep-related and awake-related bruxism. The former may need to be managed with an occlusal splint, whilst the latter is best tackled with cognitive awareness therapy and self-monitoring