The prevalence of dental erosion in Nigerian patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease

Adeleke O Oginni,Elugwaraonu A Agbakwuru,Dennis A Ndububa

doi:10.1186/1472-6831-5-1

Adeleke O Oginni, Elugwaraonu A Agbakwuru + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6831-5-1

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Journal: BMC Oral Health	Publication Date: Mar 1, 2005
Citations: 53	License type: cc-by

Affiliation: Obafemi Awolowo University

Abstract

BackgroundIn various people of the Western world, gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) has been reported to be a common problem. Various studies have also assessed the relationship between GOR and dental erosion. The authors are not aware of such studies in Nigerians. It is therefore the aims of the present study to estimate the prevalence of GOR; to estimate the prevalence of dental erosion in patients with GORD; to document the oral findings in patients diagnosed with GORD and to compare these findings with previous studies elsewhere.MethodsA total of 225 subjects comprising of 100 volunteers and 125 patients diagnosed with GORD were involved in this study. History of gastric juice regurgitation and heartburn were recorded. Oral examination to quantify loss of tooth structure was done using the tooth wear index (TWI) designed by Smith and Knight (1984).ResultsTwenty patients with GORD presented with dental erosion in the maxillary anterior teeth with TWI scores ranging from 1–3. The prevalence of erosion was found to be statistically significant between GORD patients (16%) and control (5%) (p < 0.05), but not significant between endoscopic diagnostic groups (p > 0.05).ConclusionThe present study supports the consideration of dental erosion as the extra-oesophageal manifestation of GORD. However the association between GORD and burning mouth sensation needs more investigation.

Highlights

In various people of the Western world, gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) has been reported to be a common problem
The subjects were made up of 100 volunteers attending the medical outpatient department (MOPD) and 125 patients diagnosed with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease among whom the prevalence of GOR and GORD was determined respectively
The present study examined 125 patients with GORD of which 20(16%) had dental erosion

Summary

Introduction

In various people of the Western world, gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) has been reported to be a common problem. The authors are not aware of such studies in Nigerians It is the aims of the present study to estimate the prevalence of GOR; to estimate the prevalence of dental erosion in patients with GORD; to document the oral findings in patients diagnosed with GORD and to compare these findings with previous studies elsewhere. Gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) is the passage of gastric contents into the oesophagus. The continual exposure of the teeth and other oral structures to gastric refluxate may result in dental erosion and other soft tissue symptoms [1]. Acid regurgitation is a common symptom of upper gastro-intestinal tract disorders and dysfunctions such as (page number not for citation purposes)

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Conclusion