Tooth Wear Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors Among a Small Portuguese Community: A Retrospective Study

<b>Background/Objectives</b>: Early tooth wear (TW) assessment prevents challenging and costly dental treatments. Knowledge of data on the prevalence and risk factors is crucial for developing preventive guidelines. This retrospective cross-sectional study aims to study the prevalence of TW in a sample of patients seeking a Screening and Emergency appointment at Egas Moniz Dental Clinic (EMDC) and its associated risk factors. <b>Methods</b>: Descriptive and logistic regression analysis were applied to data from a sample of 2266 patients, collected between 2021 and 2023, to ascertain the presence of tooth wear, its different types and its correlation with potential risk factors. <b>Results</b>: The prevalence of dental wear was found to be 54.7%, with attrition (24.1%) being the most prevalent lesion and erosion (2.7%) the least prevalent. Concerning the risk predictors for tooth wear, age (OR = 1.01-1.05, <i>p</i> < 0.05), decreased DVO (OR = 2.16, <i>p</i> = 0.028), antacids (OR = 7.07, <i>p</i> = 0.003), mastication difficulties (OR = 1.87, <i>p</i> = 0.039), drugs (OR = 2.38, <i>p</i> = 0.032) and use of mouthwash (OR = 1.47, <i>p</i> = 0.008) were positively associated. Gender (OR = 0.7, <i>p</i> = 0.015) was negatively associated, with females showing a 30% less risk than males. <b>Conclusions</b>: It was concluded that TW is prevalent and increases with age, underscoring the necessity for timely and accurate diagnosis to minimize its progression. Additionally, it is crucial to conduct a thorough evaluation of the risk factors involved to implement effective preventive measures and treatment strategies.