Non-Carious Cervical Lesions in Wild Primates: Implications for Understanding Toothpick Grooves and Abfraction Lesions.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

In clinical settings, non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs) are often linked to abrasion, erosion, abfraction, or a combination of these factors. In archaeological and paleontological remains, the most common NCCL is the "toothpick groove," yet little is known about the occurrence of these and other NCCLs in wild non-human primates.

Materials and methods

Here, we examine 531 individuals from 27 wild extant and extinct anthropoid primate taxa for NCCLs. Macroscopic examinations were followed by microwear and tissue-loss analyses using multiple imaging techniques, including stereoscopic microscopy, confocal laser, handheld digital microscopy, and 3D tissue loss analysis.

Results

NCCLs were identified in 21 individuals, indicating a prevalence of 4% within the

SUBMITTER: Towle I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12477751 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature