Tooth Surface Loss and Associated Risk Factors in Northern Saudi Arabia

Aim. To evaluate tooth surface loss (TSL) severity and associated risk factors in a representative sample of Saudi adults. Materials and Methods. Four hundred TSL patients (200 females and 200 males) participated in this study. Each patient completed a comprehensive questionnaire interview (using a modified Tooth wear Assessment Questionnaire) and then examined for the severity of TSL (using ordinal scale). Results. Seventy-five percent of participants demonstrated attrition, 90% had erosion, 15% had abrasion, and 95% had more than one type of TSL. The most common risk factors were consumption of acidic food/drinks (78%), parafunctional habits (70%), and unilateral chewing (50%). 77% of participants demonstrated grade 2 TSL. Males demonstrated greater TSL severity (P ≤ 0.05). Age, systemic disease, number of remaining teeth, acidic food/drinks, bruxism/parafunction, biting objects, facial pain/tenderness, sour taste, exposure to dust, unilateral chewing, using dental abrasives, and brushing frequency/technique had significant relationship with TSL severity (P ≤ 0.05). Conclusions. TSL has a multifactorial aetiology. Parafunction, gastrointestinal problems, and diet were the most common aetiological factors reflecting changes to stressful modern life-styles, eating/drinking habits, and behaviours. Gender didn't influence the aetiology of TSL; however males demonstrated more TSL severity. Patients' age had significant correlation to TSL severity.