Facing the Friction: Evaluating Dentists’ Readiness to Manage Tribocorrosion

Abstract To evaluate dentists’ knowledge, practices, and confidence in managing tribocorrosion, with emphasis on attrition and erosion. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among 100 dental practitioners in Mangalore, India. Seventy-eight responses were analyzed. The questionnaire included 14 multiple-choice questions and one open-ended question related to diagnosis and management of tooth wear. Bruxism was identified as the most common factor associated with attrition (83.3%). Attrition most frequently affected incisal surfaces of maxillary incisors (47.4%), while erosion predominantly involved palatal surfaces of maxillary incisors (53.8%). Most practitioners (71.7%) reported confidence in diagnosing and managing attrition and erosion. Dentists demonstrated adequate awareness and preparedness in managing tribocorrosion-related tooth wear. Continued professional education may further enhance preventive and therapeutic outcomes.