Exploring the Etiology of Noncarious Cervical Lesions: A Case Control Study

This case control investigation studied, the causal association of potential risk factors for noncarious cervical lesions (NCCLs), in patients reporting to the OPD of a dental Institute, in India. Total 52 patients, 26 with noncarious cervical lesions (7 females, 19 males, mean age 39.27±12.88 years) and 26 without noncarious cervical lesions in dentine (9 females, 17 males, mean age 34.96±10.27 years), were selected. All patients underwent a clinical and questionnaire assessment for the presence of potential risk factors for noncarious cervical lesions. Data were statistically analysed with SPSS version 17.2 software, using Chi-square test/Fisher exact test, t-test, Mann-Whitney test and multiple logistic regression analysis. Comparatively cases had a significant presence of good oral hygiene, bilateral group function, headaches, and prolonged usage of drugs for systemic illness. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed a significant association of NCCLs with good oral hygiene and prolonged usage of drugs for systemic illness. Daily/weekly consumption of spicy dietary additives (chillies/pickles) exhibited marginally significant association with NCCLs. With no reported data on NCCLs causation in the Indian subcontinent, the present study reports that, apart from factors like better oral hygiene, daily/weekly consumption of spicy dietary additives; factors less researched like prolonged intake of drugs for systemic illness, monthly/yearly headaches; and factors considered doubtful, like lack of canine guidance: were significantly present in patients with noncarious cervical lesions.