An alternative hypothesis from veterinary science for the pathogenesis of noncarious cervical lesions

An alternative hypothesis to abrasion and erosion for the pathogenesis of n oncarious cervical lesions was put forward in 1984; the so-called occlusal theory suggested that tensile stresses from occlusal overload could be invo lved in the pathogenesis of noncarious cervical lesions and that bending st resses applied to teeth could cause disruption of the surface enamel, resul ting in increased susceptibility to dissolution and abrasion at the affecte d sites and in the development of wedge-shaped lesions. This theory has gai ned increased acceptance in recent years, although absolute scientific evid ence has been scant. These lesions also occur in animals, in particular, th e domestic cat, in which they are called feline odontoclastic resorptive le sions. A variety of theories about pathogenesis of these lesions have been put forward, but there is some evidence that occlusal overload may be a con tributory factor in the development of an inflammatory response in the peri odontal membrane and the presence of enzymes associated with resorption in the gingival crevice. Further investigation may help define a common etiolo gy between the pathogenesis of feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions and noncarious cervical lesions.