Non-carious cervical lesions and their relationship with salivary pH and occlusal factors

Abstract

Introduction: The increase in life expectancy requires teeth longevity which promotes an increase in the incidence and prevalence of non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs). NCCLs are characterized by the loss of tooth structure in the cervical region of the tooth (cemental enamel junction), without microbial involvement. Objective: To verify NCCL in patients that attended the College of Medical and Health Sciences at Juiz de Fora (Suprema), salivary pH score, occlusal factors, to verify associations and correlations between same. Materials and methods: Detailed anamnesis and clinical evaluation were carried out regarding the location, severity and sensitivity of the NCCLs, verification of occlusal tooth wear, disocclusion guides, evaluation of the vertical dimension of occlusion, Angle's relationship, Spee's curve, crossbite and parafunctional habits, in addition to measuring the salivary pH using a digital pH meter. Results: Fifteen patients were evaluated (mean age, 58 years ± 10.07) (n= 122 teeth). The most affected teeth were the premolars. No statistically significant correlation was found between the number of teeth affected by NCCL and salivary pH scores (r= 0.357; p= 0.192) (mean salivary pH = 6.84). There was a moderate statistically significant correlation (r= 0.593; p= 0.020) between the number of teeth with NCCL and posterior crossbite, however, further studies are needed to prove this correlation. Conclusion: No variables can be considered predominant in the development of NCCL. Therefore, not just one but many factors may be responsible for generating cervical wear. What may predispose patient’s to NCCL are patient habits, as the main factors, and the secondary factor would be the time correlation to the main factors.