[The prevalence of tooth wear in the Dutch adult population]

This study, performed in 2013, aimed to assess the prevalence of tooth wear in the Dutch adult population. The prevalence of tooth wear was not only determined for different age groups but also according to gender, socioeconomic status and types of teeth. Results were compared with the outcomes of a previous study in a comparable population in 2007. The data were collected as part of a comprehensive dental-epidemiological research project. The 1,125 adults from the city of 's-Hertogenbosch who participated in the project were subdivided into 5 age groups. Tooth wear was quantified using a 5-point ordinal occlusal/incisal grading scale. The number of teeth affected by tooth wear was higher in older age groups. Men showed more tooth wear than women, as did individuals with lower socioeconomic status, among whom a similar tendency was observed. Tooth wear prevalence found in 2013 was higher in all age groups than in 2007. One can conclude that tooth wear is a common condition in the Dutch adult population.