Factors associated with Non-Carious Cervical Lesions (NCCLs) in teeth

To determine factors associated with Non-Carious Cervical Lesions (NCCLs) and the teeth most commonly involved in such lesions.

Cross-sectional study.

Department of Operative Dentistry, Section of Dentistry at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan, from December 2005 to January 2006.

A total number of 95 patients with 671 teeth were evaluated using a pre-coded questionnaire. Subject of evaluation was teeth. Patients with symptomatic or asymptomatic NCCLs and permanent dentition were included. Patients exhibiting active, untreatable periodontal disease, rampant uncontrolled caries, xerostomia, primary dentition, patients undergoing orthodontic treatment or bleaching procedure were excluded from the study. Data analysis was done using Spearman's correlation, Mann Whitney test and Kruskal-Wallis test.

Mean age of patients was 50.3 years (r=0.22, p=0.028); males (73%) had more NCCLs than females (23%). Majority (45.3%) of them brushed their teeth twice a day, with medium type of brush (48.4%) and horizontal (73.7%) brushing technique. Most of the patients were non-bruxists (90.5%), with Angles Class 1 occlusion (48.4%) and canine guidance (50.5%). Majority (74.7%) of the patients did not have sensitivity.

First premolars in all the quadrants were the most frequently involved teeth in NCCLs. More males had NCCLs. Middle aged patients were more involved. A weak positive correlation was found between age and NCCLs. No association was observed between hand used and site of NCCLs, between wear facets and NCCL, Excursive guidance and NCCL, Angles classification and NCCL.