Incisor Toothwear Caused by a Dietary Habit Involving Chillies – A Case Report

From Volume 32, Issue 4, May 2005 | Pages 213-216

Authors

Gregory S Antonarakis

BDS, BSc

Dental Practitioner, Clinique Dentaire de la Jeunesse, Glacis de Rive 11, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland

Articles by Gregory S Antonarakis

Liam D Addy

BDS, MFDS, MPhil, FDS(Rest Dent)

Specialist Registrar in Restorative Dentistry, Cardiff University, Dental School, Wales College of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XY

Articles by Liam D Addy

Abstract

Toothwear cases can vary dramatically in their presentation, with some displaying quite peculiar patterns. This case report outlines a patient's unusual eating habit that had led to a localized pattern of toothwear affecting his maxillary and mandibular central incisors. The patient had a habit of eating fresh chillies between his incisors after most evening meals; this was followed by immediate toothbrushing, which he had done for many years. This case illustrates that, not only is diet analysis important in identifying aetiological factors in toothwear cases, but also dietary habits.

Article