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How to Write an Introduction Section of Your Scientific Manuscript: A Sample from the Title Dental Erosion and its Growing Importance in Clinical
Practice: From Past to Present:
Dr. Nancy Agens, Head,
Technical Operations, Pubrica
I. INTRODUCTION
(Preparation of the Background)Since
the mid-1990s, there has been an increase
in interest in dental erosion, and how it
influences tooth wear. Before, studies on
human tooth wear were mainly based on
teeth obtained from teeth which were
acquired via archaeology. These days such
studies are carried out on adult human
beings. However, in neither clinical case
report was dental erosion identified as a
major etiological factor [1]. In the mid-
1990s, emphasis on this subject matter
shifted from adults to children and
adolescents on one hand, and from general
tooth wear (attrition and abrasion) to
paying more attention the significance of
the different causative factors resulting in
erosive tooth wear. (Discussion of the
basic references related to the main
topic)Recently, several studies from many
different nations all over the globe have
reported that the prevalence of erosive
wear is high, especially among children
and adolescents is high. Apart from this,
some longitudinal studies prove that the
occurrence of erosion is on the rise, and
erosive lesions that are already present
progress rapidly [2]. Even if the
prevalence rates vary substantially, it is
evident that dental erosion is a common
finding in populations from all over the
world, especially among children and
adolescents. The food consumed by
human beings centuries ago was often
tough and contained coarse particles,
which required heavy chewing. The
resulting wear facets were further
influenced by the abrasive components of
the food. Modern diets would appear to
lack such abrasives but can contain acids,
which can demineralize enamel and
potentiate attrition and abrasion.
Nevertheless, there are findings supporting
the existence of dental erosion even in
medieval populations[3].A number of
different terms like attrition, erosion, and
abrasion are used frequently in dentistry to
refer to tooth wear; however, these terms
do not clearly explain the process of
wearing, neither do they identify the cause.
They rather describe the clinical research
outcomes of some underlying events. As
such, the science of tribology might
betterdescribe the process of tooth wear.
Many different mechanisms exist in the
science of tribology, one of which could
apply in tooth wear. This one couldbe
explained in terms of two-body abrasion
(attrition) or three three-body abrasion,
interacting with abrasive fluid (erosion and
abrasion) [4].
(Problem statement) Till now
there has not been a consensus on the
definition and diagnostic criteria for dental
erosion. This, together with prior lack of
interest in the subject matter can explain
some of the ambiguities associated with
the condition [5]. With the existence of
such ambiguities, the diagnosis of the
condition remains hazy, and the
pathophysiology is still not fully
understood; as such, patients cannot
receive adequate management and counsel
on how to prevent the condition.
(Need for the study / indication
of the purpose) It is, therefore, the
purpose of this paper to give an overview
of current knowledge of dental erosion,
based on a scrutiny of the literature review.
This would lead to a better understanding,
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and a clarification of the diagnostic criteria
and pathophysiology is essential for
correct early diagnosis, management, and
prevention. This is very important at such
a point in time, as we are experiencing an
increase in the prevalence of the condition.
(Significance of the study)Even
though identifying a single clinically
detectable cause of tooth wear may be
challenging, it would be good to determine
if dental erosion is becoming more of an
essential characteristic of such tooth
wear.It is important for the oral healthcare
team to be able to recognize the early signs
and symptoms of dental erosion and to
adequately understand disease process.
This understanding would be paramount to
counselling patients appropriately on how
to prevent and manage tooth wear early
enough, before it evolves to stages where
complications occur. This would be easier
and relatively more cost-effective,
especially as prevention can be achieved
using simple lifestyle modifications.
REFERENCES
1. Johansson A. A cross-cultural study of occlusal
tooth wear. Swed Dent J Suppl. 1992; 86:1–59.
2. Ganss C, Klimek J, Giese K. Dental erosion in
children and adolescents--a cross-sectional and
longitudinal investigation using study models.
Community Dent Oral Epidemiol. 2001
Aug;29(4):264–71.
3. Robb ND, Cruwys E, Smith BG. Regurgitation
erosion as a possible cause of tooth wear in ancient
British populations. Arch Oral Biol.
1991;36(8):595–602.
4. Mair LH. Wear in dentistry--current terminology. J
Dent. 1992 Jun;20(3):140–4.
5. Johansson A-K. On dental erosion and associated
factors. Swed Dent J Suppl. 2002;(156):1–77.