I came across this study last week and just mentioned it in another thread. Thought I may as well share it here too.

I found it while looking into grasses and veggies that where higher in silicates. A few vet articles have promoted silicates from grasses in the rabbit diet. I figure with one bad hay eater, upping this in her diet would not hurt.  Anyway, this study questions the value of silicate on dental wear. 

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science

If you’re not inclined to read the abstract, it basically says that a study in sheep showed that a diet containing grasses with silica phytoliths (the hard matter found in plants) does not contribute to tooth wear as much as previously thought.

As I mentioned, they study was on sheep. I do not about the dynamics of open rooted teeth (like rabbits) might factor in. Whether pressure from chewing effect tooth growth etc…

To be clear, I DO think these types of food have an important place in a rabbits diet!!  Wild rabbits think so too & I won’t be questioning them.  Just the fact that plant matter promotes a side to side chewing action & enamel grinds against opposing tooth enamel WILL contribute to dental wear. Of course it has great fibre also which is vital.