[Clinical study on the relationship between tooth abrasion and the habits of chewing betel nut].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the relationship between tooth abrasion and long-term chewing betel nut.


METHODS
The time, frequency, clinical features of occlusal abrasion, and results of pantomography were studied in 64 patients with the habits of chewing betel nut.


RESULTS
The occlusal surfaces of all patients had abrasion from mild to severe. The longer the chewing time, the more severe the occlusal abrasion (P < 0.01). The occlusal abrasion became more severe with the increase in chewing frequency (P < 0.01). The severe abrasion was accompanied with periapical periodontitis and the resorption of alveolar bone.


CONCLUSIONS
Long-term chewing betel nut can result in the abrasion of occlusal surface.
Yin
Xiao-min
XM
Department of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha 410078, China.
Peng
Jie-ying
JY
Gao
Yi-jun
YJ
D000328:Adult; D001114:Areca; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008409:Mastication; D008875:Middle Aged; D014072:Tooth Abrasion / Q000209:etiology*