Dental Erosion and Dentinal Sensitivity amongst Professional Wine Tasters in South East Queensland, Australia

Roy George,Belinda Chen,Rebecca Undery,Humza Ahmed,Allison Chell

doi:10.1155/2014/516975

Abstract

Background/Aims. Professional wine tasters face a hidden occupational hazard due to the high acid content in wine. This study evaluates the self-perceived dentinal sensitivity and erosive effects of wine on the professional wine tasters of the Granite Belt and the Scenic Rim regions of South East Queensland, Australia. Methods. Seventy wineries were contacted and participants were surveyed about their professional wine tasting experience and oral health. Participants were also required to rate their tooth sensitivity prior to being examined for erosion using a modified Smith & Knight tooth wear index. The data were analysed using Mann Whitney U test and Spearman's correlation test. Results. The results showed that most participants (25 males, 22–66 yrs), brushed twice a day; however, the majority did not floss daily and had limited knowledge of the erosive effect of wine. There was a direct correlation between years of wine tasting, age of participants, and the erosion index. Correlation was not observed between the participant's sensitivity index and erosion index. Conclusion. The lack of significant experience of dentinal hypersensitivity amongst professional wine tasters should not prevent oral health practitioners from providing necessary counselling and undertaking preventive measures, as tooth wear can have serious long-term effect on oral health of an individual.

Highlights

There is a hidden occupational hazard that faces many professional wine tasters worldwide
The primary reason for low participating numbers was due to the region being a new and upcoming wine belt region and the fact that many worked in more than one winery
This study showed an increase of a significant correlation in dental erosion with the number of years spent in wine tasting (Table 1)

Summary

Introduction

There is a hidden occupational hazard that faces many professional wine tasters worldwide. The acidity of wine on the permanent dentition can be quite detrimental with an increased risk of erosion of dental hard tissue [1]. Dental erosion is defined as a superficial loss of tooth substance by a chemical process that does not involve bacteria [2]. Dental erosion can result from numerous causes; extrinsic dietary factors are amongst the most common etiological factors. Dental erosion can present initially as a smooth, silkyshining glazed enamel surface or, in more advanced cases, as shallow concavities and/or rounding and grooving of the cusps at the margins [3]. The demineralising effect of acid in wine can increase the susceptibility of tooth or teeth to mechanical abrasion, such as tooth brushing [4]

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion