Tooth wear: intrinsic and extrinsic mechanical factors

Abstract

Tooth wear, the progressive loss of dental hard tissue not caused by decay or trauma, is a multi-faceted phenomenon with implications for oral health and aesthetics. This article provides a comprehensive overview of both intrinsic and extrinsic mechanical factors contributing to tooth wear. Intrinsic mechanical wear from direct tooth-to-tooth contact leading to attrition, such as in bruxism, and extrinsic mechanical wear resulting from external actions, such as parafunctional habits including biting nails, chewing on pens, or the consumption of rough food elements and the use of overly abrasive dental products and aggressive toothbrushing, leading to abrasion. CPD/Clinical Relevance: Understanding the complex relationship between intrinsic and extrinsic mechanical factors is essential for clinicians to provide holistic dental care.