Are dental patients able to perceive erosive tooth wear on anterior teeth? An internet-based survey assessing awareness and related action

Abstract

Background. Erosive tooth wear (ETW) is irreversible loss of dental hard tissue. The authors examined patients’ ability to recognize ETW relative to sound teeth and teeth with dental caries. Methods. Using Amazon’s crowdsourcing service, the authors recruited participants (N=623) to view standardized images of buccal surfaces of teeth (sound, ETW, or caries). Participants reported whether a dental condition existed (yes/no), likelihood to seek care, and esthetic attractiveness for teeth with no, initial, moderate, or severe signs of ETW/caries. Results. Dental patients demonstrated poor recognition of cases of ETW, especially compared to sound and caries-affected teeth at each level of severity. Patients were less likely to schedule a dental appointment for care/treatment of teeth with ETW than caries at each level of severity. Patients also found ETW more esthetically attractive than caries at each level of severity and found initial ETW more attractive than sound teeth. Conclusions. Dental patients struggle recognizing ETW, in general and compared to caries, at each level of severity and particularly for early stages of ETW. These recognition difficulties likely arise, in part, from tooth esthetic attractiveness standards (smooth and shiny teeth look more esthetic), possibly leading to lack of appropriate care-seeking behavior. Practical Implications. This internet-based tool may be used to assess dental patients’ awareness and ability to recognize cases of ETW. Improved patient awareness might lead to seeking professional care to prevent and/or delay ETW progression.