Tooth wear is incredibly common, but is not always normal. One of the challenges is determining when the wear you observe is normal versus pathologic. Tooth wear that is progressing at faster than normal rates can be caused by multiple different etiologies, and management depends on identifying the cause. We will look closely at the unique patterns associated with attrition versus acid erosion.

Learning objectives

• Be able to determine when tooth wear is pathologic
• Recognize the wear patterns of attrition associated with parafunction
• Recognize the wear patterns of acid erosion in its multiple forms