Prevention. Part 3: prevention of tooth wear.

Non-carious destruction of teeth has been observed in archaeological material from various parts of the world and clearly pre-dates the first appearance of dental caries. Attrition, abrasion and erosion are also described in the classic text of Pindborg on the pathology of the dental hard tissues. Whilst the dental profession, at least in affluent parts of the world, was engaged in diagnosing, treating and later preventing dental caries these other causes of tooth destruction were largely ignored.