Prevalence of Patients Seeking Treatment for Tooth Wear Related Problems

Abstract

Introduction: Tooth wear is defined as the loss of tooth structure that occurs in the absence of carious mechanism which can cause deleterious effects in the dental health. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of awareness among patients and if they seek the treatment for tooth wear.

Methods: This study was done in the Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics   KIST Medical College and Teaching Hospital Imadol during October 2019 to March 2020. A cross-sectional study was done including data collection from a questionnaire and clinical examination. Total 370 participants, both male and females of age group 18-70 years were included in the study.

Results: A total of 370 patients were examined out of which 148 male and 222 females were examined. 351 (95%) of them showed the sign of tooth wear. Prevalence of tooth wear was 95% for both males and females. More than half of the patients with tooth wear reported of having GI symptoms (54%). Patients who brushed twice daily (54.9%) and using soft (46.2%) and medium (43.5%) showed the sign of tooth wear. Patients lacking awareness of tooth wear was 64.9%. however, those seeking treatment was 68.9%. Chi Square test was applied for statistical analysis

Conclusion: Tooth wear is a common finding having higher prevalence in this population.  Severity increased with progressing age group. Even though there was lack of awareness of the condition, most of them sought treatment for tooth wear.