Non-carious cervical lesions


Non-carious cervical lesions are defined as dental tissue lost at or near the cementoenamel junction, and not relating to tooth decay. NCCLs are common in the dentitions of recent human populations. They may result from several processes including abrasion, acid erosion and abfraction. It is thought recent changes in diet and behaviour may explain the high rate of NCCLs in humans today, including consuming a lot of acidic foods and drinks, as well as tooth brushing techniques. Periodontal disease is often also a contributing factor.



Archaeological non-carious cervical lesions

When NCCLs are present in archaeological samples they can provide insight into behaviour and diet. Abrasion is the most common mechanism of NCCLs observed in archaeological samples, and results from non-masticatory contact of an object with teeth, often through cultural or therapeutic behaviour. Most NCCLs in archaeological examples are attributed to abrasion, with ‘toothpick grooves’ particularly common. Less commonly acid erosion can cause NCCLs, and is caused by the chemical dissolution of dental tissues by acids of non-bacterial origin, most commonly low pH diets. Abfraction, is almost never seen in the pre-modern samples, leading some researchers to suggest it is a uniquely modern issue caused by recent dietary and behavioural changes.