Association of Non-carious Cervical Lesions with Oral Hygiene Aspects and Occlusal Force

Aim: The purpose of this case-control (CT) study was to investigate the association between the presence of non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs) with occlusal force and other potential risk factors. Materials and methods: Thirty-nine participants with NCCLs [cases (CS)] and 39 with no NCCLs [control (CT)] attending the dental clinic of the Faculdades Integradas São Pedro (FAESA), located in Brazil, were enrolled in this study. Information was collected through anamnesis, clinical examination, and a questionnaire addressing aspects related to tooth brushing, dentifrice, and mouthwash use. In clinical examination, patients were submitted to four measurements of occlusal force in the maxillary first premolars and maxillary first molars, using a strain gauge sensor of medium intensity, the Flexiforce (Tekscan, South Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America). The sensor was calibrated for the unit of measurement in Newtons (N). Data were analyzed using a student’s t-test and multiple logistic regression, e with a significance level of 5%. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the case and CT groups regarding the bite force in the four measured regions. Logistic regression identified sex as a factor significantly associated with NCCLs (p = 0.020). The odds ratio showed the female sex had more chance (OR = 6.082; CI = 1.332–27.765) of having NCCLs. Conclusion: It is concluded that females presented a higher risk factor for NCCLs than men. In contrast, there was no association of occlusal force, as well as aspects related to brushing and deleterious habits. Clinical significance: Females have a higher risk factor for non-carious lesions than men.