Molar tooth attrition in a selected group of Nigerians

A study of the degree and gradient of attrition was undertaken on 352 molar teeth of 88 selected Nigerian subjects. A method for the quantification of attrition experience per molar tooth is described. There is a close correlation between age and the degree of attrition of the first molar. This finding may be of value in age determination in forensic odontology. The wear on the first molar is about two stages ahead of that on the second and third molars. It is suggested that the degree of tooth attrition may be an index of masticatory activity.