INVESTIGATION OF ABRASION RELATED TOOTH SURFACE LOSS AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH ORAL HYGIENE BEHAVIOURS

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the frequency and severity of dental abrasion related tooth surface loss and its association with tooth brushing behaviors in residents of Karachi, visiting Bahria University Dental Hospital. This cross-sectional survey comprised of clinical examination to assess the abrasive lesions and an interview session via structured questionnaire to explore the oral hygiene habits. Assessment of dental abrasion using the diagnostic criteria of Smith and Knight Index of tooth surface loss was carried out by a prosthodontist. The data analysis was done using SPSS software and chi- square test was applied to obtain the reliability between the variables. Out of 261 study population, 61(23.4%) cases were encountered with abrasive cervical lesions. Most of the cases around 81.9%, were found to be localized especially in premolar region. Maxillary arch showed predominance with 47.0 % of lesions. In relation to Smith and Knight Tooth wear index, majority of the patients, that is 54.0 % fell into the grade 1 severity score. An insignificant correlation was noted between variables of tooth brushing behaviors and abrasive lesions.