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Contributions of genetics and of the environment to variation in human tooth size are discussed. A significant effect of the environment shared by twins, uterine or early in life, was found for mesiodistal (MD) and buccolingual (BL) diameters of maxillary first molars. Significant non-additive genetic variation was seen in MD diameters of canines and first premolars. That would be consistent with selective pressures at some stage in human evolution.

Background: Easily applied, age-specific standards are useful in assisting clinicians to decide whether the extent of tooth wear observed in a given patient at a specific age is acceptable or whether intervention is indicated. Method: A simple method of scoring tooth wear and previously established mathematical relationships between tooth wear scores and age, provide the basis of a method for predicting tooth wear scores. In its most specific form, the method can be used to predict tooth wear scores for individual patients at subsequent ages. Alternatively, tables or graphs can be consulted to provide a less precise prediction of tooth wear that can assist clinicians to decide whether the amount of wear reflects high, moderate or low rates of wear at the specified age. Conclusion: In cases where there is no reason to believe that aetiological factors have changed significantly over time, data obtained from the methods described can assist clinicians to plan appropriate management for patients presenting with unacceptable levels of tooth wear. Key words: Tooth wear; attrition; erosion; abrasion; scoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]