Background: Non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs) have shown a significant incidence and prevalence and have
been increasingly associated with people?s lifestyles and youths. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the
prevalence of NCCLs in footballers and to address potential risk indicators.
Methods: Fourty-three male semi-professional footballers with an average of 27 years old completed a
questionnaire and were subjected to intraoral examination in terms of cervical tooth wear, morphological
characteristics of NCCLs, tooth sensitivity, occlusal/incisal wear, and malocclusion classification. Also, laboratory
assays were performed to determine salivary parameters: flow rate, pH, buffer capacity, level of Ca (calcium), Na
(sodium), and K (potassium) ions, and level of cortisol. The data obtained from the questionnaire and intraoral
examinations were subjected to Chi-square and Poisson regression models while the data obtained from the
laboratory assays were analyzed by using analysis of variance (p < 0.05).
Results: The prevalence of NCCLs was 39.5%. The participants presented predominantly initial lesions with signs of
mechanical stress. The daily training time was found as a significant risk indicator (p = 0.028). The multivariate
analysis showed a significant difference in the variables daily training time (p = 0.023), lemon water intake while
fasting (p = 0.002), toothpaste type (p = 0.004), tooth sensitivity (p = 0.006); previous orthodontic treatment (p =
0.003), and occlusion type (p = 0.008). All participants presented normal salivary parameters and levels of cortisol.
Conclusion: The prevalence of NCCLs among footballers was remarkable. The premolars were the most affected
teeth and presented symptoms/signs of initial lesions. The daily training time was a dominant risk indicator of
NCCLs development. Footballers presented adequate salivary parameters and cortisol levels.
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