Diagnosing tooth wear, a new taxonomy based on the revised version of the Tooth Wear Evaluation System (TWES 2.0)

Abstract

Background: Tooth wear is a multifactorial condition, leading to the loss of dental hard tissues. Physiological tooth wear is a slow process that normally does not lead to any subjective symptoms. When the condition progresses, it can become pathological, and several signs and symptoms may occur. The Tooth Wear Evaluation System (TWES) was described to implement a systematic diagnostic and management approach. Recently, management guidelines were presented in a European Consensus Statement (ECS) as well.

Objectives: To evaluate the TWES in practice and to integrate the principles described in the ECS in order to compose a renewed TWES 2.0 and a new taxonomy.

Methods: The TWES and the recommendations of the ECS were used by dental clinicians, in order to test its applicability in practice.

Results: Agreement was reached that the TWES 2.0 will use a stepwise approach, with a straightforward Tooth Wear Screening part and a more detailed Tooth Wear Status part. Also, the assessment of pathology from the ECS is incorporated in the TWES 2.0 (both classification and taxonomy).

Conclusions: In the TWES 2.0 is described that tooth wear is pathological if moderate/severe/extreme tooth wear is present, in combination with one or several described signs and symptoms. Aetiology can be assessed by findings that indicate a chemical and/or a mechanical cause. The taxonomy may help to identify situations in which preventive (restorative) interventions in early stages of tooth wear can be indicated. The reliability and validity of the adapted parts must be proven.

Keywords: European Consensus Statement (ECS); Tooth Wear Evaluation System (TWES); classification; diagnosis; management; pathological; physiological; taxonomy; tooth wear.