Reading the Signs of Tooth Wear

Discover how recognizing the causes and patterns of tooth wear can help oral health professionals identify underlying concerns and guide effective treatment.

By Kristen Pratt Machado On Oct 23, 2026

Which of the following is a primary cause of attrition?

Bottles and glasses of colorful carbonated soft drinks

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Exposure to acidic beverages

Aggressive toothbrushing

Tooth-to-tooth contact during mastication or parafunctional activity

Exposure to abrasive materials in the workplace

Correct! Wrong!

Attrition involves the wearing away of tooth structure through tooth-to-tooth contact, often during chewing or parafunctional activities such as grinding. Increased or imbalanced occlusal forces can contribute to this type of wear.

Which clinical finding is classically associated with dental erosion caused by bulimia nervosa?

Woman eating pizza beside an open refrigerator at night

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V-shaped cervical notches

Erosion on the palatal surfaces of anterior and posterior teeth

Flat, polished occlusal wear facets

Exostoses associated with increased occlusal forces

Correct! Wrong!

Repeated exposure to stomach acid from vomiting can cause erosive tooth wear. Erosion on the palatal surfaces of anterior and posterior teeth is a classic sign associated with bulimia nervosa.

Which approach is recommended when evaluating a patient with tooth wear?

Woman in a dental chair talking with a dental professional

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Begin restorative treatment immediately, regardless of the cause

Focus only on the patient's age and the amount of visible wear

Assess the extent, location, progression, and underlying etiology of the wear before determining management

Recommend full-mouth rehabilitation for all patients with significant tooth wear

Correct! Wrong!

Effective management begins with identifying the cause and evaluating the pattern and progression of tooth wear, the patient’s age, risk factors, and treatment concerns. Depending on the findings, care may range from preventive strategies and monitoring to restorative treatment.

Reading the Signs of Tooth Wear

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