Attrition, eruption, and the periodontium

Features of natural masticatory function, of physiological attrition, both occlusal and approximal, and of continuing tooth eruption in adult life nee d to be borne in mind in considering how the chronic inflammatory periodont al diseases and dental caries have become so widespread. Evidence is review ed showing that teeth continue to erupt in adulthood, that natural masticat ory function prevented plaque accumulation at the approximal risk site of o nset of both CIPDs and caries, that epithelial attachment to cementum may b e physiological, and that periodontal attachment studies must be age-relate d.