Tooth wear. in particular erosion, has been reported to be widespread in ch
ildren in the UK. Wear may affect either dentition, but epidemiological mea
surement 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 vis
ual examination and from photographs with those at histological examination
of the same teeth. Sample and methods: Forty-one exfoliated or extracted p
rimary anterior teeth were assessed visually and using photographs. Ground
sections of the teeth were prepared and examined using polarised light micr
oscopy.
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 de
ntine. Findings on photographs were very similar to those on visual examina
tion. Of the 10 teeth without erosion visually. two had evidence of loss on
histological examination. Of the 14 with visual evidence of erosion confin
ed 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 under
estimate the extent of the condition. Under the conditions of the study, ph
otographs gave results similar to those on visual examination. (C) 2001 Els
evier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.