Incisor toothwear caused by a dietary habit involving chillies-a case report

Toothwear cases can vary dramatically in their presentation, with some displaying quite peculiar patterns. This case report outlines a patient's unusual eating habit that had led to a localized pattern of toothwear affecting his maxillary and mandibular central incisors. The patient had a habit of eating fresh chillies between his incisors after most evening meals; this was followed by immediate toothbrushing, which he had done for many years. This case illustrates that, not only is diet analysis important in identifying aetiological factors in toothwear cases, but also dietary habits.