Evaluation of chemical, biological and behavioral factors in patients at risk for erosive tooth wear

• Grant number: 24/20569-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: May 01, 2025
• End date: December 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry - Dental Clinics
• Principal Investigator: Taís Scaramucci Forlin
• Grantee: Milena Rodrigues Muniz
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia (FO). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

This study is part of a larger observational, longitudinal, and prospective clinical trial. The aim of this larger study is to evaluate the predictive and construct validity of two methods, the Basic Erosive Wear Examination (BEWE index) and intraoral 3D scanning (IOS), for detecting, measuring, and clinically monitoring erosive dental wear (EDW) lesions in patients belonging to a risk group for this condition, compared to patients who are not part of any risk group, over time, seeking early clinical identification of high EDW progression rates and distinguishing between physiological and pathological EDW rates. As part of this study, the present investigation aims to assess the impact of dietary and oral hygiene habits, along with sociodemographic conditions, on erosive dental wear (EDW). For this purpose, 40 patients from the EDW risk group and 40 non-risk patients from the previous study will be included and followed for 1 year. At the first appointment, participants will complete a questionnaire about their general and oral health status, as well as their self-perception of EDW and the impacts of this condition on their quality of life. Based on this, participants will be allocated into the two experimental groups according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. To complement this information, participants will also undergo stimulated and unstimulated saliva collection to assess salivary flow and measure saliva pH. Salivary analyses will be repeated after 3 months, 6 months, and upon completion of 1 year from the first visit. The results will be compared and analyzed. This detailed follow-up will allow a deeper understanding of the relationship between the analyzed factors and the development of erosive dental wear, contributing to a more effective approach in the prevention and control of this dental condition.