Basic Erosive Wear Examination: assessment and prevention

Non-carious tooth surface loss (NCTSL) is considered to be of increasing concern to general dental practitioners. Recent studies show that there has been an increase in the prevalence of patients aged 18–35 years old presenting with NCTSL within Western Europe. It is vital to correctly identify the causes and appreciate the severity of NCTSL in order to successfully manage patients presenting with the condition. Dental nurses have an important role in patient education and the prevention of further tooth wear.

The Basic Erosive Wear Examination (BEWE) is a relatively new index that aims to provide a simple, repeatable system appropriate to screen and record NCTSL of multifactorial aetiology in general dental practice.