Tooth wear, in particular erosion, has been reported to be widespread in children in the UK. Wear may affect either dentition, but epidemiological measurement has proved difficult.
Objectives: The objectives of this study were: (a) to investigate use of a simple index of wear in primary teeth; and (b) to compare findings from visual examination and from photographs with those at histological examination of the same teeth.
Sample and methods: Forty-one exfoliated or extracted primary anterior teeth were assessed visually and using photographs. Ground sections of the teeth were prepared and examined using polarised light microscopy.
Results: On visual examination, 31 of the 41 teeth had evidence of wear. In 14 teeth, tissue loss was confined to enamel and in 17 it extended into dentine. Findings on photographs were very similar to those on visual examination. Of the 10 teeth without erosion visually, two had evidence of loss on histological examination. Of the 14 with visual evidence of erosion confined to enamel, dentine was exposed in 11 cases. Diffuse demineralisation was evident histologically in 11 of the 31 teeth with evidence of erosion.
Conclusions: It was concluded that clinical assessment of erosion may underestimate the extent of the condition. Under the conditions of the study, photographs gave results similar to those on visual examination.