The prevalence, etiology and management of tooth wear in the United Kingdom.
BACKGROUND
Recent epidemiologic evidence suggests that tooth wear is now a significant problem in both children and adults. There is growing evidence that a major cause of severe wear in patients is regurgitation erosion due to a variety of factors including gastroesophageal reflux disease.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this article is to discuss the prevalence of tooth wear in the United Kingdom. Emphasis in management should be on accurate diagnosis, and in some patients, long-term monitoring before embarking on any irreversible, interventive treatment. Even when treatment is necessary, a period of monitoring is helpful to assess the rate of progress of the wear, the effectiveness of preventive measures, and therefore the extent of the treatment necessary.
Smith
B G
BG
Department of Conservative Dentistry, UMDS, Guy's Hospital, London, United Kingdom.
Bartlett
D W
DW
Robb
N D
ND
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D003793:Dental Restoration, Permanent; D018450:Disease Progression; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D014072:Tooth Abrasion / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy; D019217:Tooth Attrition / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D014077:Tooth Erosion / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology