Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine risk factors for the aetiology of wedge-shaped defects using dental and medical variables obtained in a population-based sample of the cross-sectional epidemiological ”Study of Health in Pomerania” (SHIP). Materials and Methods: Medical history, dental, and sociodemographic parameters of 2707 subjects aged 20 to 59 years with more than 4 natural teeth selected representatively and according to age distribution (age range: 20-59 years) were checked for correlations with the occurrence of wedge-shaped defects using a multilevel logistic regression model on a tooth and subject level. Results: The risk of developing wedge-shaped defects generally increased with age (except among 45- to 49-yr-olds). Following independent variables were found to be correlated with the occurrence of wedge-shaped defects: buccal recession of the gingiva odds ratio (OR)= 6.7; occlusal wear facets of scores 1, 2 and 3 OR= 1.5, 1.9, 1.9; tilted teeth OR= 1.4; inlays OR= 1.6 and tooth brushing behaviour OR= 1.9 to 2.0 (two times and tree times daily vs. ones a day). Maxillary and mandibular teeth behaved similarly in terms of wedge-shaped defects, with the exception of mandibular canines, which had a much lower risk of incurring wedge-shaped defects than do maxillary canines. First premolars had the highest risk for developing wedge shaped defects, followed by the second premolars. Conclusion: The results of this risk analysis indicated that the aetiology of wedge-shaped defects is multifactorial. The development of wedge-shaped defects probably results from the interaction of occlusal forces, which may produce a flexural load on the teeth and the abrasion of hard tooth substance caused by the toothbrush. Factors influencing occlusion comprised inlays and altered tooth positions.

Back to the Scientific Program Program
Back to the Joint Meeting of the Continental European, Israeli, and Scandinavian (NOF) Divisions of the IADR (August 25 -- 28, 2004)

Top Level Search