Prevalence Of Erosive Tooth Wear Research Articles

Prevalence of erosive tooth wear in Chilean adults, 2016: A cross-sectional study.

To determine the prevalence, severity and distribution of erosive tooth wear lesions in adult patients at the Universidad de los Andes Health Center in the San Bernardo Metropolitan Region, Chile, during a period of 4months in 2016. A cross-sectional study was conducted. A consecutive sample of patients from 18 to 46years old who were receiving care at the Universidad de los Andes Health Center during a period from September 2016 to January 2017 was analysed. Basic erosive wear examinations (BEWEs) were performed by two calibrated examiners. A total of 535 adults were included in this study. An erosive tooth wear prevalence of 97.9% was found in which at least one surface had a BEWE score of 2 or 3 as the highest score (98.56% for females and 95.8% for males). In the sample, 75.70% and 74.77% of individuals had at least one surface with a BEWE score of 3 at the second and fifth sextant, respectively. The median of cumulative BEWE scores was 12. The median by individual of the affected percentage of tooth surfaces with BEWE scores 2 or 3 was 19.70%. We found a high prevalence of erosive tooth wear, mainly in the anterior group of teeth. No differences were found between the sexes, but a positive correlation with age was found. The percentage of surfaces affected was low or moderate.

Socio-economic characteristics, acid drinking patterns and gastric alterations associated with erosive tooth wear in children: a cross-sectional study.

Assessing the influence of socio-economic characteristics, acid drinking patterns and gastric alterations considering erosive tooth experience in children. Cross-sectional study to assess 08-10-year-old children enrolled in the primary education in public schools in Florianopolis, Brazil (n = 1085). Caregivers have answered questionnaires comprising independent variables (head of the household education frequency consumption of sports drinks, acid juice/soda, chewing gum, recurrent vomiting, gastric disorders and vomiting after overeating). Four trained dental surgeons have examined the children for the erosive tooth wear-dependent variable (O'Sullivan index), as well as collected dental caries (DMFT) and dental crowding (DAI index) information. A two-stage cluster-sampling plan was conducted. Unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression models were applied (Odds ratio, OR; 95% Confidence interval, CI and 5% significance level). The prevalence of erosive tooth wear was 15.67%. Erosive tooth wear was positively associated with high consumption of sports drinks (OR 3.42; 95% CI: 1.18-9.23). Children whose caregivers' educational level was equal or less than four years of study were less likely to have erosive tooth wear (OR 0.39; 95% CI: 0.17-0.88). High consumption of sports drinks is positively associated with erosive tooth wear. Children whose caregivers' educational level is low are less likely to present erosive tooth wear.

Erosive tooth Wear in special Olympic athletes with intellectual disabilities

BackgroundSpecial Olympics (SO) events represent an opportunity to obtain considerable information regarding intellectual disable (ID) patients. Studies done with SO data have shown an overview of the oral health status of these athletes; however, no information exists regarding the erosive tooth wear (ETW). Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the presence and severity of ETW in athletes with ID who participated in the SO Belgium 2016.MethodsThe study population consisted in 232 athletes with ID who participated in the SO special smiles program, Belgium 2016. For analysis, the sample was divided in three groups: a) athletes with ID under the age of 25 not diagnosed with Down Syndrome (DS) (n = 174), b) athletes with DS under the age of 25 (n = 39) and c) athletes with DS from 25 and older ages (n = 58). Two calibrated dentists performed dental examinations using the Basic Erosive Wear Examination Index (BEWE). The BEWE sum > 0 was used to determine prevalence of ETW. Severity was determined by two- indicators: 1) By risk levels (low, medium and high risk) proposed by the BEWE index, and 2) by the highest score reached per subject in at least one tooth (BEWE1, 2 or 3). Chi-square test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to detect significant differences among different groups (p < 0.05).ResultsThe prevalence of ETW for young athletes with ID was 51.14%. Within these athletes, the DS group presented a significant higher mean BEWE sum (4.67, SD 5.64) and prevalence of ETW (69.2%BEWE> 0) when compared to athletes without DS (mean BEWE sum: 1.96, SD 3.47 and 46.3% BEWE> 0; p < 0.05). Furthermore, a significantly higher percentage of athletes with DS were considered at high risk of ETW (p < 0.05).ConclusionsAs a conclusion, half of the young athletes with ID presented at least one affected surface with ETW. The recorded prevalence and severity of ETW for the younger group of athletes with DS was distinctly higher than the athletes with ID not having DS. This shows the need to generate knowledge in order to provide correct management and prevention of erosive tooth wear in populations with ID.

Erosive tooth wear among preschool children in Hong Kong.

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of erosive tooth wear among 3- to 5-year-old children in Hong Kong and to determine the effect of socio-economic factors, dental habits, and oral hygiene on their dental erosive wear status. Stratified random sampling was adopted. Their parents were asked to complete a questionnaire regarding their children's backgrounds. A single examiner evaluated the children for erosive tooth wear using Basic Erosive Wear Examination (BEWE) criteria. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine the relationship between erosive wear and the children's socio-economic factors, dental habits, and oral hygiene. 1204 children participated in this study. Prevalence of erosive tooth wear (BEWE score>0) was 14.9%. Among these, 153 children (12.8%) had initial wear, 21 children (1.8%) had distinct tooth loss, and five (0.4%) had severe erosive wear. Prevalence of erosive wear among the 3-, 4-, and 5-year-old children was 10.7%, 15.0%, and 17.7%, respectively. Increasing age, the low education of mother and high plaque scores were risk factors of erosive wear (P<0.05). Prevalence of erosive tooth wear is low among preschool children in Hong Kong. The erosive tooth wear prevalence increased with increasing age, lower education of mother, and poorer oral hygiene.

Erosive tooth wear among South Brazilian adolescents, and its association with sociodemographic variables.

The aim of this study was to assess the occurrence of erosive tooth wear (ETW) among 15-19-year-old South Brazilian adolescents, regarding prevalence, extent, severity, intraoral distribution, and sociodemographic risk indicators. A population-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in Santa Maria, southern Brazil, and included a representative sample of 15-19-year-old adolescents. Data collection included the application of a questionnaire and a clinical examination. A questionnaire was sent to the parents/legal guardians of the selected students, containing questions on demographic information, socioeconomic characteristics, and living conditions. After tooth cleaning and drying, all erupted permanent teeth were clinically assessed by two calibrated examiners, and classified according to the Basic Erosive Wear Examination (BEWE). The association between explanatory variables and the outcomes (ETW prevalence and extent) was assessed using Poisson regression models (both unadjusted and adjusted). A total of 1,197 adolescents were included in the study (participation rate of 72.3%). The overall prevalence of ETW was 57%. Severe ETW affected 16% of the sample. Overall, this adolescent population presented 13.3 affected surfaces, and 8.34 affected teeth. In the risk assessment analysis, gender, skin color, socioeconomic status, and family income were significantly associated with ETW. Boys, white adolescents, and those with higher socioeconomic status were more affected by ETW. This population-based cross-sectional study revealed that the prevalence of ETW was high, and that it was associated with sociodemographic variables in this South Brazilian population of adolescents.

Assessment of the Oral Health Status and Erosive Tooth Wear among Employees of a Petrochemical Industry in Mangalore, India

Objective: To assess occupational exposure to acids and its possible impact on oral health of individuals. Method: A cross sectional descriptive survey was conducted on 597 employees. A calibrated questionnaire was administered, oral health status of the employees was assessed using WHO Oral Health Assessment Proforma and Erosive Tooth Wear was measured using Basic Erosive Wear Examination (BEWE). Results: 49.9% employees presented with some form of erosive tooth wear. Employees who had more frequent exposure to acid fumes at work showed more dental erosion (Chi-square test, p < 0.05). Also it was observed that the prevalence of dental erosion increased with increase in work experience of the employee (r = 0.392, p < 0.01). Conclusions: There was a high prevalence of erosive tooth wear among the petrochemical workers and necessary safety precautions and preventive interventions are recommended. © 2019, Indian Journal of Public Health Research and Development. All rights reserved

Genome-Wide Association Study of Erosive Tooth Wear in a Finnish Cohort

Erosive tooth wear is defined as irreversible loss of dental tissues due to intrinsic or extrinsic acids, exacerbated by mechanical forces. Recent studies have suggested a higher prevalence of erosive tooth wear in males, as well as a genetic contribution to susceptibility to erosive tooth wear. Our aim was to examine erosive tooth wear by performing a genome-wide association study (GWAS) in a sample of the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 (n = 1,962). Erosive tooth wear was assessed clinically using the basic erosive wear examination. A GWAS was performed for the whole sample as well as separately for males and females. We identified one genome-wide significant signal (rs11681214) in the GWAS of the whole sample near the genes PXDN and MYT1L. When the sample was stratified by sex, the strongest genome-wide significant signals were observed in or near the genes FGFR1, C8orf86, CDH4, SCD5, F2R, and ING1. Additionally, multiple suggestive association signals were detected in all GWASs performed. Many of the signals were in or near the genes putatively related to oral environment or tooth development, and some were near the regions considered to be associated with dental caries, such as 2p24, 4q21, and 13q33. Replications of these associations in other samples, as well as experimental studies to determine the biological functions of associated genetic variants, are needed.

Preventive dentistry 10. Erosive tooth wear

Erosive tooth wear has recently been at the centre of attention and its prevalence of erosive tooth wear among adolescents in the Netherlands appears to be rising. The multifactorial nature of the aetiology of the condition makes it difficult to identify the relevant causal factors, both in individual cases and within the general population. Preventive intervention is indicated in those cases where (active) erosive tooth wear is diagnosed. Early diagnosis is important, especially in younger patients. Preventive measures, such as dietary advice and the use of fluoride, are recommended but the scientific evidence for their effectiveness is still limited. In cases where acid reflux disease is the cause, treatment with medicines can have the effect of reducing the progression of tooth wear. Recognising a non-active condition, for example after successful preventive treatment, is difficult, but will be supported with digital methods in the near future.

General and erosive tooth wear of 16-year-old adolescents in Kuantan, Malaysia: prevalence and association with dental caries

BackgroundThe objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and severity of general tooth wear (GTW), i.e. tooth wear irrespective of etiology and erosive tooth wear (ETW), i.e. tooth wear predominantly due to erosion; and also to investigate the relationship between ETW and dental caries experience in 16-year-old adolescents in Kuantan, Malaysia.MethodsA multi-staged cluster sampling method was employed. A total of 598 16-year-old adolescents participated in this study. Participants’ demographic profile was assessed through a self-administered questionnaire. Clinical examinations were carried out under standardized conditions by a single examiner. The level of GTW was recorded using the modified Smith and Knight’s Tooth Wear Index (TWI) whilst ETW were recorded using the Basic Erosive Wear Examination (BEWE) index. This index was developed to record clinical findings and assist in the decision-making process for the management of erosive tooth wear. Dental caries was recorded using the D3MFT index whereby D3 denotes obvious dental decay into dentine detected visually.ResultsThe prevalence of GTW, ETW and dental caries, i.e. percentage of individuals found to have at least one lesion, was 99.8%, 45.0% and 27.8% respectively. Two thirds of affected teeth with GTW were observed to have a TWI score of 1 whereas almost all of the affected teeth with ETW had a BEWE score of 2. The mean D3MFT was 0.62 (95% CI 0.50, 0.73) with Decayed (D) teeth being the largest component, mean D3T was 0.36 (95% CI 0.30, 0.43). There was no significant association between socio-demographic factors and prevalence of ETW. Logistic regression analysis also showed no significant relationship between the prevalence of ETW and D3MFT (p > 0.05).ConclusionsAlmost all adolescents examined had GTW but they were mainly early lesions. However, nearly half were found to have ETW of moderate severity (BEWE score 2). No significant relationship between the occurrence of erosive tooth wear and caries was observed in this population.

Erosive tooth wear - why clinicians should be aware of this condition

Erosive tooth wear (ETW) is defined as a chemical-mechanical process leading to the cumulative loss of hard dental tissue without the involvement of bacteria. The prevalence of ETW has been reported to range from 10% to over 80% in children and 4% to 82% in adults. The management of ETW should include an early diagnosis, the evaluation of different etiological factors, risk identification and the proposal of preventive measures to delay the advance of the condition. These measures include fluoride exposure, use of low abrasive toothpastes, clinical monitoring, and in more severe cases sealant application and restorations. Patients suffering from eating disorders with purging behaviour and gastroesophageal reflux disease are considered the most important group of risk for this condition. Clinicians should be aware of this condition with growing prevalence, once substance loss is an irreversible condition, providing prompt preventive measures, during the early stages, are essential to reduce ETW. Key words: Erosive Tooth Wear, Dental Erosion, Diagnosis, Prevention.

Erosive Tooth Wear Among Different Tooth Types and Surfaces in Japanese Adults 15 to 89 Years Old.

To evaluate the prevalence of erosive tooth wear on buccal, incisal/occlusal and palatal/lingual surfaces in a wide age range of Japanese adults. The study included a total of 1108 adults aged 15 to 89 years in Tokyo, Japan. The subjects were asked to complete a self-administered nutrition-related questionnaire. Two examiners evaluated tooth wear on the buccal, occlusal/incisal and palatal/lingual surfaces in a full-mouth recording, using a modified Smith and Knight tooth-wear index. Subjects who frequently consumed acidic beverages or food, or had gastric reflux and at least one tooth with an initial enamel smooth-surface wear facet were placed in an erosion-positive group, and the rest of subjects were placed in the erosion-negative group. 26.1% of the participants were placed in the erosion-positive group. For buccal surfaces, advanced wear progression was predominantly observed on maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth, especially in the youngest age group (15-39 years). On incisal/occlusal surfaces, early dentin exposure was observed in the middle age group (40-49 years) in the erosion-positive group. For palatal/lingual surfaces, wear progression was mainly observed on maxillary anterior teeth among 30- to 39-year olds and 50- to 59-year-old in the erosion-positive group, but that prevalence was lower than for the other tooth surfaces. For all age groups of Japanese adults, the prevalence of erosive tooth wear depended on tooth types and surfaces.

Prevalence of dental erosion among 18-year-old adolescents in the borderland districts of Lviv (Ukraine) and Lublin (Poland)

Recent epidemiological studies have shown an association between dental erosion occurrence and changes in lifestyle and dietary habits in both developed and developing countries, and now affects different regions of the world. Furthermore, in current literature, studies have shown that the prevalence of erosive tooth wear has increased particularly among the younger population. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence and severity of erosive tooth wear among 18-year-old adolescents in the districts of Lviv (Ukraine) and Lublin (Poland). College students (254 subjects) aged 18, living in the Lviv and Lublin districts were examined. Erosive lesions presented in the teeth were assessed on the basis of the BEWE (Basic Erosive Wear Examination) index. Among the 137 patients living in the Lublin district, 70 were females and 67 were males, while in the Lviv district, 60 women and 57 men were examined. In both districts, the following numbers of rural patients were examined: 66 in Lublin district and 56 in Lviv district; for urban inhabitants, the numbers were 71 in Lublin and 61 in Lviv. Analysing the BEWE values, it was noted that higher BEWE values, and resulting from them significant differences were observed in both male and female groups living in Lublin, compared with Lviv inhabitants. Based on clinical examination and statistical analysis, the occurrence of lesions of an erosive character in at least one sextant were observed in 59.85% of patients from Lublin district, and in 42.74% of patients from Lviv district. On the basis of the conducted study in the Polish and Ukrainian groups of 18-year-old adolescents living on the borderland, it can be stated that dental erosion is a problem noticeable in both groups of cohorts, but with higher prevalence in the Lublin district.

Prevalence and risk factors of erosive tooth wear in 3–6 year old German kindergarten children—A comparison between 2004/05 and 2014/15

ObjectivesThe aims of this study were (1) to investigate prevalence, severity and distribution of erosive tooth wear in German kindergarten children aged 3–6 years in 2014/15 in comparison to an earlier survey from 2004/05 and (2) to identify and compare possible risk factors. Methods775 children aged 3–6 years from 27 kindergartens were examined in 2014/15 and compared to the data from 2004/05 (432 children/21 kindergartens). Erosive tooth wear was examined using the O’Sullivan-Index. Additionally, data were converted into the Basic Erosive Wear Examination (BEWE)-index. Information about dietary habits, chronic illness and oral hygiene practices were obtained by questionnaires. Statistical analyses were done by Chi2-, Mann-Whitney U Tests and regression analyses (p<0.05). ResultsCompared to 2004/05 (31.3%) prevalence of erosive tooth wear was significantly increased in 2014/15 (45.4%). In 2004/05 and 2014/15, prevalence increased significantly with increasing age of the children: 3-year-olds: 22.5%/14.2%; 4-year-olds: 27.4%/32.9%; 5-year-olds: 30.5%/58.8%; 6-year-olds: 38.1%/71.7%. Children with erosive tooth wear presented more affected teeth and a higher severity of erosive tooth wear, respectively, in 2014/15 compared to 2004/05. The BEWE score sum was significantly higher in 2014/15 (3-year-olds: 3.4±2.1, 4-year-olds: 4.2±3.1, 5-year-olds: 4.6±2.9, 6-year-olds: 5.9±3.3) than in 2004/05 (3-year-olds: 2.0±1.2, 4-year-olds: 2.7±1.8, 5-year-olds: 2.7±2.4, 6-year-olds: 4.2±4.2). In 2014/15, age and male gender were significant with respect to the presence of erosive tooth wear. Severity of erosive tooth wear was dependent on the regular consumption of fruit juices and lemonade/coke. ConclusionThe prevalence of erosive tooth wear in German kindergarten children has increased in the last ten years.

Association of erosive tooth wear and dental caries in Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 \u2013 an epidemiological cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe main aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the prevalence and severity of erosive tooth wear and its association with dental caries and socio-demographic factors among middle-aged Finnish adults.MethodsOf the total Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 (n = 12,058), a convenience sample (n = 3181 adults) was invited for an oral health examination of which 1962 (61.7 %) participated, comprising the final study group. Clinical examinations were carried out by trained and calibrated dentists. Erosive tooth wear was assessed by sextants using the Basic Erosive Wear Examination Index (BEWE, 0–18) and dental caries at surface level using the ICDAS criteria (0–6). Socio-demographic data were obtained from a postal questionnaire. A logistic regression model was generated to test the association of the variables.ResultsThe prevalence of erosive tooth wear was 75 % and the mean of the BEWE sum score was 3.4 (SD 3.30). Almost half of the members needed non-invasive or invasive measures to prevent further progression of the condition. Of those with erosive lesions, 14.6 % suffered from severe erosive tooth wear. There was a strong positive relationship between the presence of severe erosive tooth wear (BEWE sum score ≥9) and male gender and restorative treatment need.ConclusionsErosive tooth wear is a common finding in Finnish adult population; almost one in ten suffer from severe erosive tooth wear. Restorative treatment need seems to be associated with severe erosive tooth wear.

Prevalence of erosive tooth wear and associated factors in a group of Mexican adolescents

BackgroundErosive tooth wear is the irreversible loss of dental hard tissue as a result of chemical processes. When the surface of a tooth is attacked by acids, the resulting loss of structural integrity leaves a softened layer on the tooth’s surface, which renders it vulnerable to abrasive forces. The authors’ objective was to estimate the prevalence of erosive tooth wear and to identify associated factors in a sample of 14- to 19-year-old adolescents in Mexico. MethodsThe authors performed a cross-sectional study on a convenience sample (N = 417) of adolescents in a school in Mexico City, Mexico. The authors used a questionnaire and an oral examination performed according to the Lussi index. ResultsThe prevalence of erosive tooth wear was 31.7% (10.8% with exposed dentin). The final logistic regression model included age (P < .01; odds ratio [OR], 1.64; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.26-2.13), high intake of sweet carbonated drinks (P = .03; OR, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.06-3.07), and xerostomia (P = .04; OR, 2.31; 95% CI, 1.05-5.09). ConclusionsErosive tooth wear, mainly on the mandibular first molars, was associated with age, high intake of sweet carbonated drinks, and xerostomia. Practical ImplicationsKnowledge regarding erosive tooth wear in adolescents with relatively few years of exposure to causal factors will increase the focus on effective preventive measures, the identification of people at high risk, and early treatment.

Trends in the prevalence of erosive tooth wear in Brazilian preschool children.

To report trends in the prevalence of ETW in Brazilian preschool children. Three cross-sectional surveys were carried out on boys and girls aged 3-4 years living in Diadema, in the years 2008, 2010 and 2012 following the same criteria and methodology. A total of 2801 children were systematically examined during a National Day of Children's vaccination. Examiners were trained and calibrated to diagnose ETW using a modified version of the O'Brien index. The prevalence of ETW was 51.6% (95% CI 48.4-55.0) in 2008, 53.9% (95% CI 50.7-57.0) in 2010 and 51.3% (95% CI 47.8-54.7) in 2012. There was no significant association between prevalence of ETW from 2008 to 2012 (χ(2) for trend: P = 0.92). There was no significant association in the severity of ETW during this study's period. Most lesions were confined to enamel in all three studies. A high prevalence of ETW was found in this sample of preschool children in 2008, 2010 and 2012. No trends of increase or decrease in the prevalence and severity of ETW during this study's period.

Erosive Tooth Wear among 12-Year-Old Schoolchildren: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study in Montevideo, Uruguay

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence, extent, severity, intraoral distribution and risk indicators for erosive tooth wear (ETW) among 12-year-old schoolchildren from Montevideo, Uruguay. A population-based, cross-sectional survey was conducted using a representative sample of 1,136 12-year-old schoolchildren attending public and private schools. Parents answered questions on socioeconomic status and general health. Schoolchildren answered questions on dietary and oral hygiene habits. Two calibrated examiners recorded ETW on permanent teeth according to the Basic Erosive Wear Examination (BEWE) score system. Logistic regression models were performed to assess the association between the predictor variables and the prevalence of ETW (overall and severe ETW). Odds ratios (OR) and the respective 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated. The prevalence of ETW was 52.9%, being mild erosion (BEWE = 1) in the vast majority of cases (48.5%). Severe erosion (BEWE ≥2) was detected in 4.4% of schoolchildren. The overall prevalence of ETW differed significantly between categories of gender and socioeconomic status, but only between gender in the severe ETW analysis. The overall extent of ETW was significantly different between categories of gender, socioeconomic status, and swish before swallow. The extent of severe ETW differed between categories of swish before swallow and brushing frequency. In the logistic regression analysis, no association was found between the studied variables and the overall prevalence of ETW. Males were more likely to have severe ETW than females (OR = 3.22, 95% CI = 1.50-6.89). ETW may be considered a public health problem among 12-year-old-Uruguayan schoolchildren.

Age-specific prevalence of erosive tooth wear by acidic diet and gastroesophageal reflux in Japan

ObjectivesTo evaluate the age-specific prevalence of erosive tooth wear in Japanese adults. MethodsThe study sample consisted of a total of 1108 adults aged 15–89 yrs in Tokyo, Japan. The subjects were asked to complete a self-administered nutrition-related questionnaire. Two examiners evaluated tooth wear in a full-mouth recording, using a modified tooth wear index developed based on the Smith and Knight Tooth Wear index. Subjects who had frequent acid consumption or gastric reflux and at least one tooth with an initial enamel wear were placed in an erosive wear positive group, and the rest of subjects were placed in the erosive wear negative group. ResultsThe median (IQR) prevalence of erosion was 19.1 (1.8) at enamel level and 6.5 (3.7) with dentin exposure. There were statistical differences in prevalence of erosive wear among different age groups (p<0.05). Dietary habits found to be frequent in erosive wear positive group included acidic juices for younger subjects (15–39 yrs), and acidic fruits for older subjects (60–89 yrs). The prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux and eating disorder was 3.5%. A severe loss of dental tissue was observed on labial and incisal surfaces of anterior teeth in the erosive wear positive group. ConclusionsIn the studied sample of Japanese adults, 26.1% had signs of erosive wear. Clinical significanceErosive wear, in combination with abrasion and attrition, results in severe loss of tooth tissue. Frequent consumption of acidic fruits and drinks was significantly associated with erosive tooth wear at different age groups.

Prevalence of erosive tooth wear in risk groups.

Individuals have different risks for developing erosive lesions depending on background, behavioural, dietary and medical variables. It is anticipated that people with regular impact of gastric juice, i.e. patients with eating disorders and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have a specially high risk of developing dental erosions; the same could be true for those with special diets, regular consumption of acidic beverages, medicine and drug intake and occupational exposure to acids. Eating disorders are associated with an increased occurrence, severity and risk for dental erosion, even though not all bulimic patients show a pathological level of tooth wear. There seems also to be a tendency that in the case of GERD, erosion is more common and more severe than in healthy controls. Regarding exogenous causes, many studies, though not all, document a positive association between the consumption of acidic beverages and dental erosions and there seems to be a dose-response relationship; however, further studies are necessary for a final statement. The same applies for the association between drug or medication intake or special diet and erosion prevalence. Though only few studies exist, there seems to be a tendency for an increase of erosion prevalence amongst persons abusively consuming alcohol. Some studies show an increased risk for dental erosion for employees testing wine or working in acid processing factories. Even though some associations between acid impact and erosion prevalence appear clear, the number of studies is small. There is a lack of controlled prevalence studies, making it difficult to give final statements for all risk groups.

Erosive Tooth Wear and Consumption of Beverages among Children in the United States

Background/Aim: Experimental studies have identified differences in the effect of physicochemical properties of beverages on the etiology of erosive tooth wear (ETW). Little is known from epidemiological studies about the relationship between ETW and consumption of juices, drinks and milk. This study examined the relationship between the consumption of juices, drinks, milk and ETW in children in the United States. Methods: The National Health and Nutrition Examinations Survey data for 2003–2004 was analyzed. Trained and calibrated examiners used the modified Smith and Knight Tooth Wear Index from a 1998 United Kingdom Adult Health Survey to measure ETW. Beverage consumption collected via a Food Frequency Questionnaire was processed with Diet*Calc software to obtain the average daily consumption frequency for all queried juice categories, milk and carbonated beverages. Survey-weighted descriptive and multivariable analyses were performed. Results: Prevalence of ETW was highest in children aged 18–19 years (56%), males (49%), and lowest in Blacks (31%). Milk and soft drinks (0.85 times a day) and fruit drinks (0.69) were the most consumed products by children. Children with ETW had significantly higher odds of being frequent consumers of apple juice after adjusting for age, gender, and race/ethnicity. Blacks had the highest mean daily apple juice consumption, but the mean difference between those with ETW and those without ETW was not significant. Conclusion: ETW was associated with frequent intake of apple juice, but the mean difference in consumption between groups with ETW versus those without ETW within racial/ethnic groups was not significant.