Bizarre tooth surface loss and the Miswak stick

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Oral Medicine

Background:

• Tooth surface loss (TSL) is a common dental issue with diverse etiologies.
• Unusual presentations of TSL necessitate thorough patient history and diagnostic evaluation.

Observation:

• A rare case of severe, generalized TSL affecting both lingual and buccal surfaces of the entire dentition was observed.
• The patient reported excessive use of an intra-oral Miswak chewing stick as the primary cause.

Findings:

• The Miswak stick's abrasive nature led to significant hard dental tissue loss.
• Diagnosis required detailed history-taking to identify the uncommon etiology.

Implications:

• Clinicians must consider uncommon habits like Miswak use when diagnosing TSL.
• Minimally invasive restorative techniques, including composites and fibre-reinforced bridges, are effective for managing severe TSL.