Knowledge, Awareness, and Attitudes towards Tooth Wear among Adult Patients who Visit the University of Ghana Dental School Clinic

Tooth wear is the loss of tooth surface that is not caused by bacteria or injury. It may be considered either pathological or physiological, depending on the patient’s age and severity. Tooth wear can manifest as abrasion, attrition, erosion, or abfraction. Tooth wear is a phenomenon gaining increasing attention because of changes in lifestyle behaviors. Tooth wear permanently damages the enamel and can result in a worn-looking or aging smile. The purpose of this study was to investigate the level of knowledge, awareness, and attitudes towards tooth wear among adult patients attending the University of Ghana Dental School Clinic.

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted. A sample size of 100 participants was obtained using a consecutive sampling technique. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data.

Generally, participants demonstrated low levels of knowledge about tooth wear. The level of education influenced knowledge of tooth wear; the majority of those with primary education demonstrated low levels of knowledge about tooth wear. There was a high level of awareness across all educational levels, with tertiary education demonstrating the highest (77.6%). Similarly, they all demonstrated positive attitudes towards tooth wear, with the majority of tertiary-educated participants (93.9%).

The majority (70%) of the patients thought that tooth wear is a form of cavity or tooth decay and that it is also caused by bacteria, instead of by the frequent consumption of acidic foods. Other studies have noted intrinsic and extrinsic causes of dental erosion. An overwhelming number of patients (over 90%) agreed that the prevention of tooth wear is preferable to curing it and emphasized the importance of visiting the dentist every 6 months. This finding compares with other studies recommending that individuals visit the dentist every six months to prevent other dental issues from arising.

Generally, participants’ level of knowledge of tooth wear was quite low. The level of education was significantly associated with knowledge and attitudes towards tooth wear. Dentists must educate patients and the general public about tooth wear.