Cervical wear and occlusal wear from a periodontal perspective

The aim of this study was to investigate whether cervical wear was associated with occlusal wear and clinical periodontal parameters in relatively older adults. A total of 30 patients, with multiple non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs) and without a disease or condition that could cause heavy tooth wear, were included in the study. The periodontal parameters including plaque index, probing pocket depth, gingival recession (GR) and tooth mobility were obtained from 641 teeth of which 475 (74·1%) displayed NCCLs. The levels of cervical wear and occlusal wear were determined according to a tooth wear index. Premolars were more likely to develop cervical wear than canines, molars and incisors. Cervical wear was significantly associated with less plaque accumulation and the presence of shallow pockets. The teeth with advanced GR and without increased mobility were 2·583 and 1·715 times more likely to develop deeper cervical lesions, respectively. Age and the level of occlusal wear were not linked to the bucco-lingual depth of cervical wear. In conclusion, the significant association of advanced cervical wear with the relatively healthy periodontal status suggested the role of abrasion and its possible combined action with erosion in the aetiology of NCCLs. The rate of GR and the lack of tooth mobility could constitute predisposing factors for the progression of cervical wear because the exposed root surfaces could be more susceptible to abrasion and/or erosion, and the non-mobile teeth resisting strongly against frictional forces, thus abrasive effects, could possibly develop cervical wear.