Investigation of the presence of Non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs) in ancient adult skulls: analyzing data from prehistoric and historical samples through a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Objectives Historically, the prevalence of caries has undergone significant changes, particularly increasing with the industrialization of sugar consumption. When examining ancient populations, lower caries rates are discovered, attributed in part to dietary factors. These populations consu...

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Main Authors: Mario Dioguardi, Francesca Spirito, Eleonora Lo Muzio, Diego Sovereto, Andrea Ballini, Mario Alovisi, Giusi Antonia Toto, Lorenzo Lo Muzio, Michele Di Cosola
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2024-03-01
Series:BMC Oral Health
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-024-04154-4
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author Mario Dioguardi
Francesca Spirito
Eleonora Lo Muzio
Diego Sovereto
Andrea Ballini
Mario Alovisi
Giusi Antonia Toto
Lorenzo Lo Muzio
Michele Di Cosola
author_facet Mario Dioguardi
Francesca Spirito
Eleonora Lo Muzio
Diego Sovereto
Andrea Ballini
Mario Alovisi
Giusi Antonia Toto
Lorenzo Lo Muzio
Michele Di Cosola
author_sort Mario Dioguardi
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Objectives Historically, the prevalence of caries has undergone significant changes, particularly increasing with the industrialization of sugar consumption. When examining ancient populations, lower caries rates are discovered, attributed in part to dietary factors. These populations consumed abrasive foods, leading to occlusal wear and reduced non-axial occlusal forces, potentially influencing Non-Carious Cervical Lesions (NCCLs). Although some attribute NCCLs to abfraction, the mechanism remains debated. This systematic review aims to evaluate the presence of NCCLs in ancient populations, shedding light on the factors contributing to their occurrence. Materials and Methods The present systematic review was registered on PROSPERO, and the manuscript was prepared following PRISMA guidelines. Results After the literature search and article screening, data from 6 studies were included in the meta-analysis, with only 2 reporting NCCLs in ancient skulls, encopassing 17 subjects in 805 examined skulls, suggesting their presence even before the widespread use of toothbrushes. This finding indicates a potential etiopathogenic mechanism linked to abfraction, but the cause is complex and involves abrasive and erosive factors closely tied to dietary habits. Conclusions In summary, NCCLs were present in ancient populations, albeit with a much lower prevalence. Their occurrence cannot be solely attributed to wear mechanisms but must be connected to abrasive factors related to diet or practices with religious and cultural significance, such as the use of labrets. Clinical relevance: Th the knowledge of NCCLs presence in acient sculls is crucial today for better understand the associated risk factors. In this context, the analysis of ancient skulls allows us to discern the role that tooth brushing and diet played in the formation of NCCLs, over the past century.
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spelling doaj.art-01c25946c0374e17bc4bc328f05447272024-03-24T12:35:33ZengBMCBMC Oral Health1472-68312024-03-0124111310.1186/s12903-024-04154-4Investigation of the presence of Non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs) in ancient adult skulls: analyzing data from prehistoric and historical samples through a systematic review and meta-analysisMario Dioguardi0Francesca Spirito1Eleonora Lo Muzio2Diego Sovereto3Andrea Ballini4Mario Alovisi5Giusi Antonia Toto6Lorenzo Lo Muzio7Michele Di Cosola8Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of FoggiaDepartment of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of FoggiaDepartment of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of FoggiaDepartment of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of FoggiaDepartment of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of FoggiaDepartment of Surgical Sciences, Dental School, University of TurinDepartment of Humanities, Letters, Cultural Heritage, Educational Sciences, University of FoggiaDepartment of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of FoggiaDepartment of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of FoggiaAbstract Objectives Historically, the prevalence of caries has undergone significant changes, particularly increasing with the industrialization of sugar consumption. When examining ancient populations, lower caries rates are discovered, attributed in part to dietary factors. These populations consumed abrasive foods, leading to occlusal wear and reduced non-axial occlusal forces, potentially influencing Non-Carious Cervical Lesions (NCCLs). Although some attribute NCCLs to abfraction, the mechanism remains debated. This systematic review aims to evaluate the presence of NCCLs in ancient populations, shedding light on the factors contributing to their occurrence. Materials and Methods The present systematic review was registered on PROSPERO, and the manuscript was prepared following PRISMA guidelines. Results After the literature search and article screening, data from 6 studies were included in the meta-analysis, with only 2 reporting NCCLs in ancient skulls, encopassing 17 subjects in 805 examined skulls, suggesting their presence even before the widespread use of toothbrushes. This finding indicates a potential etiopathogenic mechanism linked to abfraction, but the cause is complex and involves abrasive and erosive factors closely tied to dietary habits. Conclusions In summary, NCCLs were present in ancient populations, albeit with a much lower prevalence. Their occurrence cannot be solely attributed to wear mechanisms but must be connected to abrasive factors related to diet or practices with religious and cultural significance, such as the use of labrets. Clinical relevance: Th the knowledge of NCCLs presence in acient sculls is crucial today for better understand the associated risk factors. In this context, the analysis of ancient skulls allows us to discern the role that tooth brushing and diet played in the formation of NCCLs, over the past century.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-024-04154-4NCCLAbfractionerosionAbrasionDental wearAncient skulls
spellingShingle Mario Dioguardi
Francesca Spirito
Eleonora Lo Muzio
Diego Sovereto
Andrea Ballini
Mario Alovisi
Giusi Antonia Toto
Lorenzo Lo Muzio
Michele Di Cosola
Investigation of the presence of Non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs) in ancient adult skulls: analyzing data from prehistoric and historical samples through a systematic review and meta-analysis
BMC Oral Health
NCCL
Abfraction
erosion
Abrasion
Dental wear
Ancient skulls
title Investigation of the presence of Non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs) in ancient adult skulls: analyzing data from prehistoric and historical samples through a systematic review and meta-analysis
title_full Investigation of the presence of Non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs) in ancient adult skulls: analyzing data from prehistoric and historical samples through a systematic review and meta-analysis
title_fullStr Investigation of the presence of Non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs) in ancient adult skulls: analyzing data from prehistoric and historical samples through a systematic review and meta-analysis
title_full_unstemmed Investigation of the presence of Non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs) in ancient adult skulls: analyzing data from prehistoric and historical samples through a systematic review and meta-analysis
title_short Investigation of the presence of Non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs) in ancient adult skulls: analyzing data from prehistoric and historical samples through a systematic review and meta-analysis
title_sort investigation of the presence of non carious cervical lesions nccls in ancient adult skulls analyzing data from prehistoric and historical samples through a systematic review and meta analysis
topic NCCL
Abfraction
erosion
Abrasion
Dental wear
Ancient skulls
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-024-04154-4
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