Timing of Dietary Acid Intake, Brushing Teeth and Acid Erosion.

Timing of Dietary Acid Intake, Brushing Teeth and Acid Erosion.

This is a questionnaire based study investigating the relationship between the timing of dietary acid intake toothbrushing and erosive tooth wear. Data will be collected on the timing, nature, frequency and duration of dietary acid intakes and timing and frequency of the participants toothbrushing. Signs of the participants erosive tooth wear will then be recorded

The study group will consist of two cohorts, those presenting with tooth wear and a control group. Participants will be recruited from the care planning clinic of the Dental Institute King's College London. Suitable participants meeting the inclusion criteria will be approached on the clinic, given the patient information sheet and asked to consider participating. Written consent will be obtained from those accepting the request. An interviewer-led, previously validated questionnaire will question their frequency and timing of dietary acid intake, tooth brushing and any habits associated with dietary acid intake. This will be followed by a Basic Erosive Wear Examination.

The process will take 7-8 minutes and the participant is free to withdraw at any time

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Severe tooth wear with a BEWE score of 12 and at least one score of 3 in three quadrants
2. Adult 18 years or older
3. No missing anterior teeth
4. minimum of at 10 teeth in the upper and 10 teeth in the lower jaw
5. No anterior crowns/ bridges or implants
6. Written consent to the study

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Pregnancy
2. Participation in other research within 30 days
3. Unable to speak or understand English
4. Presence of periodontal disease or caries on more than one tooth