Abstract
Background and objectives: Tooth wear is the gradual loss of tooth structure and can occur due to numerous aetiological factors. The aim of this review is to investigate current knowledge about the epidemiology of tooth wear and identify knowledge gaps.
Methods: A cohesive narrative review was conducted (non-systematic) to synthesise existing literature and highlight knowledge gaps relevant to a New Zealand audience.
Results: Global literature suggests that a significant number of individuals are impacted by tooth wear, yet there is a lack of epidemiological data on this condition specific to New Zealand. International studies have identified risk factors for tooth wear but often involve non-representative clinical samples.
Conclusions: Longitudinal studies and routine surveys of representative samples are needed to understand the prevalence, severity, aetiology, and patterns of tooth wear. Routine surveys of representative population samples should be carried out to monitor oral health within the population and such studies should include clinical assessment of tooth wear.