Severity Of Dental Erosion Research Articles

ANALYSIS OF DENTAL EROSION IN LOCAL SCHOOL CHILDREN

Introduction : Tooth wear has recognized a major problem in both children and adults for many years, which includes the triad of erosion, attrition, and abrasion, but the contribution of erosion to tooth wear is increasing. There is a limited literature with regard to the prevalence of dental erosion in school going children. Hence, this study was undertaken to assess the prevalence and severity of erosive tooth wear in local school going children. The present Cross Se Methods: ctional analytical study is carried out on 100 subjects. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was designed to estimate the prevalence and severity of dental erosion in one year duration in 10- 12-year old local school children of the city. The schoolchildren were clinically examined as per the American Dental Association Type 3 criteria using mouth mirrors while seated on the chair under natural light. The four upper incisors were examined A total of 32 children had Results: dental erosion. A signicant association was recorded between the intake of fruit juice & Consumption of Carbonated Drinks (P < 0.05*) and occurrence of dental erosion. The frequency of erosion (35.5%) observed in maxillary central incisors was high when compared to maxillary lateral incisors (7%). The predominance of erosion sites on the labial surfaces was noted for both the maxillary central and lateral incisors.Matt appearance of the enamel was the most prevalent type of dental erosion (23.4% for central incisors and 7.9% for lateral incisors) The surface area affected by erosion was 26.25% for central incisors and 4.83% for lateral incisors. Dent Conclusions : al erosion among 10-12-year old children was found to be 32%. It provides evidence that dental erosion is becoming a signicant problem in schoolchildren. In this study, labial surfaces were the most affected and matt appearance of the enamel was the most prevalent type of dental erosion. In most of the involved cases, more than half of their surfaces were diagnosed as affected by erosion, which is frequently associated with the increased consumption of fruit juices and carbonated beverages.

Tooth erosion and its relationship with dietary habits in 6-18 year old schoolchildren in bangalore-A cross sectional study

Introduction: Dental erosion is the most common chronic disease in both children and adolescents. It is a progressive, irreversible loss of dental hard tissues by a chemical process. There is a limited literature with regard to the prevalence of dental erosion in school-going children in India. Hence, this study was undertaken to assess the prevalence and severity of dental erosion in school-going children in Bangalore. Aims: To assess tooth erosion and its relationship with dietary habits in 6–18-year-old schoolchildren. Methods and Materials: The present cross-sectional study was conducted in Bangalore, India. A sample of 1000 schoolchildren, aged 6–18 years answered questionnaire containing information about dietary habits, gastric disorders, and oral hygiene and dental erosion was recorded using Modified O'Brien index. Results: Of the 1000 participants, 77 (7.7%) had erosive tooth wear. Frequent consumption of soft drinks and citrus fruit intake were strongly associated with dental erosion (P = 0.001). The posterior surface (5%) was most commonly affected by erosive lesions and milk was considered to be a protective indicator for erosion (P = 0.001). Conclusions: The findings give an inference that a low prevalence on dental erosion but a significant relation exists between diet and dental erosion and there is a need for enhancing awareness about dental erosion among the schoolchildren, their parents and should be recognized and treated early.

Impact of occupational dental erosion on oral health-related quality of life among battery factory workers in Bengaluru, India

A greater understanding of impact of occupational dental erosion on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) will sensitize both employee and employers to adopt strict protective measures for oral health. The research aimed to determine the relationship between occupational dental erosion and OHRQoL among battery and other factory workers in Bengaluru, India. This cross-sectional comparative study enrolled a total of 400 workers. Structured proforma assessed information on sociodemographic details, oral hygiene practices, adverse oral habits, and work-related practices. OHRQoL was determined using oral health impact profile-14 (OHIP-14). Dental erosion was measured using Smith and Knight's tooth wear index modified by Millward et al. 1994 scoring system independent t-test, Mann-Whitney U-test and Spearman's correlation was performed. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The mean age of the participants in the study and control groups was 43.11 ± 8.02 and 45.93 ± 6.16 years, respectively. Less than half of the participants in the study group had positive behavioral work practice. The prevalence and severity of dental erosion was significantly higher in study group (39.5%) than control group (11.5%). Mean OHIP-14 score was significantly lower in study group (23.88 ± 0.88) than control group (26.06 ± 9.67). Dental erosion significantly correlated with work experience and OHIP-14. The findings highlight the impact of occupational dental erosion on OHRQoL. Measures to enhance occupational safety thereby reducing exposure to occupational hazards are needed.

Effect of dental erosion on oral health among employees of battery-manufacturing units in Baddi, Himachal Pradesh, India.

OBJECTIVE:The objective of the study was to obtain data on prevalence and severity of dental erosion among acid industry workers in Baddi (Himachal Pradesh).MATERIALS AND METHODS:A cross-sectional study was conducted among 800 battery industry workers. The demographic details were recorded on a prestructured pro forma. Type III examination was done. Dental erosion was recorded based on the index given by Bardsley (simplified scoring criteria for tooth wear index). Appropriate statistical tests were used to interpret the data.RESULTS:The prevalence of dental erosion was found to be 48.6%. Prevalence increased with the duration of employment. Dental erosion was most commonly found in the labial surfaces of maxillary anterior teeth.CONCLUSION:Erosion is a condition which is multifactorial and becomes more aggravating in the presence of acidic environment. Therefore, the workers working in such conditions should be more careful, and mandatory policies should also be followed by such industries to maintain the overall health of the workers.

Prevalence and severity of dental erosion among jeep battery manufacturing workers at Metagalli, Mysore: A cross-sectional study

Introduction: Majority of people employed in various industries are exposed to hazardous environment. Exposure to chemical agents in the workplace can result in adverse effects on workers. This exposure deteriorates the general and oral health of people, working in industries for long hours. Aim: The aim is to assess the prevalence and severity of dental erosion among battery manufacturing factory workers at Metagalli, Mysore, Karnataka, India. Materials and Methods: A total of 175 jeep battery manufacturing factory workers were enrolled and divided into study and comparison groups based on acid exposure. Demographic details of workers were recorded. Severity of dental erosion was calculated using Smith and Knight tooth wear index. The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 17.0 software. Chi-square test was used to compare the categorical variables. Results: The prevalence of dental erosion among the jeep battery manufacturing factory workers was 80%. Majority of the participants in the study group had severe degree of dental erosion (scores of 3 and 4) when compared to the comparison group. Conclusion: Dental erosion was more prevalent among the jeep battery manufacturing factory workers. Study participants were the more affected group with dental erosion when compared to comparison group.

Dental Erosion and Dentin Hypersensitivity among Adult Asthmatics and Non-asthmatics Hospital-based: A Preliminary Study.

Background:Asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the airways leading to spasm and swelling of the airways. The medications taken for the treatment of asthma can result in dental erosion and dentin hypersensitivity.Objectives:The aims of this study were to investigate the severity of dental erosion amongst adult asthmatics according to: gender, type and duration of medication taken and to compare dental erosion and dentin hypersensitivity between asthmatics and non-asthmatics.Subjects and Methods:Comparative, cross-sectional hospital based study among 40 asthmatics (M=15 & F=25) and 40 non-asthmatics (M=18 & F=22) in the age range of 18-60 year selected purposefully from Al-Shaab Teaching Hospital in Khartoum city. The Basic Erosive Wear Index was used for dental erosion assessment. Dentine hypersensitivity was determined by giving ice cold water and rated using the Visual Analogue Scale. Chi-square and Student’s t-test were used for statistical analysis with P value ≤.05.Results:There was an association between severity of dental erosion and presence of asthma (P=0.03), where asthmatics had a higher degree of erosion (moderate and severe) and non-asthmatics a lower degree. No significant association was found between dental erosion and gender, type and duration of medication among asthmatics group. A statistically significant difference was revealed in the degree of dentin hypersensitivity (P=0.00) among asthmatics (35.13%) and non-asthmatics (14.13%).Conclusion:Asthmatic patients had a higher degree of dental erosion and dentin hypersensitivity compared to non-asthmatics. Among asthmatic patients there was no association between severity of dental erosion and gender, type and duration medication was taken for.

Dental erosion in groups of Yemeni children and adolescents and the modification of an erosion partial recording system.

The prevalence of dental erosion is rising especially among children and adolescents and its grading needs further investigation. To determine the prevalence and severity of dental erosion in groups of Yemeni children and adolescents, and to clinically compare an erosion partial recording system (EPRS) with a proposed modified-simplified version (EPRS-M). Of 6163 individuals aged 5-6, 13-14 and 18-19 years, 911 were randomly selected, of which 668 participated in the study. Dental erosion was graded using EPRS. EPRS-M was proposed, and its sensitivity and specificity was calculated in relation to EPRS. Prevalence of erosion extending into dentine on at least one tooth was 6.8% among 5- to 6-year-olds, 3.0% among 13- to 14-year-olds and 14.6% among 18- to 19-year olds. The highest prevalence was 19.2% among girls aged 18-19 years which was significantly higher than boys (10.4%) in the same age group (P = 0.044). Sensitivity and specificity for EPRS-M in relation to EPRS were 85.7% and 100% for primary teeth, and 84.1% and 100% for permanent teeth. Dental erosion was common among children and older teenagers and highest among older girls but less common among younger teenagers. The tested accuracy of EPRS-M qualifies it to be used as an initial quick detection tool in future dental erosion research.

Oral Health Status Among Athletes in Jaipur, Rajasthan - A Descriptive Study

Abstract Introduction: Oral health is important both for the well-being and successful elite sporting performance. Athletes are at a greater risk of having dental caries, dental erosion and traumatic dental injuries. So this study was taken up to focus on this issue. Objectives: i) To assess the prevalence and severity of dental erosion, dental trauma, oral mucosal lesions, dental caries and periodontal status among athletes, using WHO oral health assessment form 2013. ii) To plan appropriate oral diseases prevention and oral health promotion strategy for athletes. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among athletes in SMS STADIUM Jaipur. Clinical examination of the athletes was carried out with the help of WHO proforma 2013. Results: A total of 300 athletes were included with 217(72.3%) males and 83(27.66%) females in the age group of 10-35 years with a mean age of 22±5.04 years. Of the participants, 55.3% participants reported the use of energy drinks. 50% reported using chewing gums (sweetened) and 20.6% reported the use of mouth guard during their activities. Around 70% of the athletes were having DMFT, out of them 68.66% had decayed teeth and only 12.66% had filled teeth. 9.3% of the athletes had enamel erosion. 8.33% &amp; 8.66% of athletes were having treated injury and enamel fracture, respectively. Conclusion: Athletes are more prone to dental caries because of less care towards oral hygiene and extensive use of sweetened chewing gums and energy drinks.

Dental Erosion and Caries Status of Chinese University Students.

To describe the prevalence and severity of dental erosion and caries experience of Chinese university students in Hong Kong. First-year Chinese students were invited to attend a dental clinic at a university campus in Hong Kong during their freshman orientation. A questionnaire was used to investigate the potential factors affecting their dental status, including sociodemographic factors, toothbrushing habits, dietary habits (consumption of sugary drinks), time elapsed since last dental check-up and self-perceived dental erosion status. Three calibrated dentists performed the clinical examinations. Dental erosion was evaluated using the modified Basic Erosive Wear Examination (BEWE) and dental caries experience was measured using the DMFT index. In total, 600 participants aged 18-21 were examined and 44% showed some signs of dental erosion (maximum BEWE > 0). Severe dental erosion (BEWE = 3) was found in 1% of the adults. Many (69%) had caries experience (DMFT > 0); their mean DMFT score was 2.5 ± 2.7 (± SD). The total BEWE scores were found to be associated with age and self-perception of tooth misalignment. No correlation was found between BEWE score and dietary habits, oral hygiene practices or self-perceived dental erosion status. Females, those whose last dental check-up was more than a year ago and those who perceived having dental decay or tooth wear had higher caries experience. Nearly half of the Chinese Hong Kong university students had signs of dental erosion, but very few showed signs of severe erosion. Caries experience was widespread but not high.

Prevalence of dental erosion and association with lifestyle factors in Swedish 20-year olds

Objective. To investigate the prevalence, distribution and severity of dental erosion and its association with lifestyle, oral and general health in young adults. Materials and methods. Four hundred and ninety-four individuals, 20-years of age, participated. Dental erosion in molars and maxillary incisors was evaluated. Caries, plaque and gingivitis were registered. Saliva samples were taken and the subjects were interviewed about behavioural and dietary habits and oral and general health. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated. The individuals were sub-divided into two groups according to the presence and absence of dental erosion: within the group with erosion was a sub-group of individuals with extensive erosion. Results. Of the individuals 25% had no erosion, 75% had erosion and 18% had extensive erosion. Erosion was found in molars in 74% of the individuals and on buccal and palatal surfaces in maxillary incisors in 4% and 7%, respectively. Cupping was seen in 65% of individuals and severe erosion in molars in 1.6%. Compared to subjects with no erosion, those with extensive erosion had a higher consumption of soft drinks (p = 0.05), caries prevalence (p < 0.01), prevalence of mutans Streptococci (p < 0.01) and BMI (p < 0.05). Furthermore, subjects with erosion had higher caries prevalence (p < 0.01) and BMI (p < 0.01) than those with no erosion. Conclusions. Swedish young adults have a high prevalence of dental erosion, but the level of severe erosion is low. The study disclosed a relationship between dental erosion and behavioural factors, oral health and BMI.

부산시에 거주하는 9~10세 어린이의 치아침식증 유병률과 관련된 위험요소

치아침식증의 유병률은 어린이에서 증가추세에 있고 전 세계적인 관심 또한 증가하고 있으나, 우리나라에서는 이에 대한 연구적, 임상적 관심이 아직 미미한 수준이다. 본 연구는 탈락에 근접한 최종 단계의 유구치 침식의 유병률과 심도, 그리고 이와 관련된 위험인자를 조사할 목적으로 수행되었다. 788명의 어린이를 대상으로 구강 검진을 시행하였다. Modified Linkosalo & Markkanen system을 이용하여 침식성 병소를 분류하였고, 보호자를 대상으로 침식성 음식과 음료 섭취의 빈도와 소비 방법에 관련된 정보를 포함한 설문 조사를 시행하였다. 그 결과 231명(27%)의 어린이에서 치아침식증이 관찰되었고, 하악좌측제1유구치에서 가장 호발하였다. 위험인자 분석에 따르면 잦은 탄산음료와 과일주스에서 섭취 빈도는 침식의 발생과 유의한 관련성이 있었고(p < 0.05), 빨대를 이용해서 과일주스를 섭취할 때 유의하게 침식 발생이 감소하였다(p < 0.05). The prevalence and interest of dental erosion seems to be rising in children all over the world. Thus, This study was performed to investigate the prevalence and severity of dental erosion in the primary molars at terminal stage nearing exfoliation, and associated risk factors. An examination was performed on 788 children using modified Linkosalo & Markkanen system, and questionnaires were gained. Association between dental erosion and the risk factors were statistically analyzed with chi-squared test and logistic regression analysis at a significance level of p < 0.05. As a result, 213 children (27%) showed dental erosion, and the mandibular left first primary molar was the most influenced tooth. According to the analysis of risk factors, frequent intake of carbonated drinks and fruit juices showed significant development of erosion (p < 0.05), and using straw for drinking fruit juices showed significant a reduction of erosion (p < 0.05).

Prevalence and risk factors for dental erosion among 11- to 14-year-old school children in South India

This cross-sectional survey was conducted to assess the prevalence and severity of dental erosion and to determine the potential risk factors for dental erosion among 11- to 14-year-old school children in South India. The total sample size for the study was 605, of which 303 school children were from private schools and 302 from public schools. A questionnaire was designed to record information about socio-demographic characteristics, oral hygiene practices, dietary habits and risk factors for dental erosion. Chi square test, bivariate analysis and Logistic regression analysis were performed to analyse the data. The children who consumed lemon several times a day (OR = 13.41, P < 0.001), and those who preferred carbonated drinks (OR = 2.80, P = 0.007) had a higher tendency to develop dental erosion. The overall prevalence of dental erosion was found to be low (8.9%). Erosion was found to be greater in posterior teeth (65.6%) than anterior teeth (34.4%). Loss of enamel only with loss of surface contour was observed in most (94.8%) of the cases. The prevalence of dental erosion was found to be low in school children. Private school children were affected more by dental erosion. Frequency of lemon consumption and consumption of carbonated drinks were identified as risk factors.

Dental erosion and associated risk factors among preschool children

Dental erosion is the irreversible loss of dental hard tissue due to acid action. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and severity of dental erosion in the primary dentition of preschool children, and to determine the relationship between dental erosion and dietary and oral hygiene habits as well as parental educational level. The subjects were 199 healthy children (aged 4-5 years) from two Zagreb kindergartens. Dental erosion of primary teeth was evaluated by a modified Smith and Knight Tooth Wear Index (1). Information on dietary and oral hygiene habits and parental educational level were obtained through a questionnaire. The results showed that 78% children had evidence of dental erosion. In 51.0% of children it was confined to the enamel, in 26.8% erosion extended into the dentine and in 1.0% it reached pulp. There was no significant difference between the sexes (p&gt; 0.05). The questionnaire data indicated an association between dental erosion and consumption of sweet drinks, fruit, snacks and biscuits. There was no association with oral hygiene habits. With the higher educational level of the parents, the prevalence of erosion in children was lower. In conclusion, the prevalence of dental erosion in primary dentition is high, so the risk factors should be eliminated by proper diet and oral hygiene instructions, beginning from early childhood.

Relationship between dental erosion and respiratory symptoms in patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease

Objectives Both dental erosion and respiratory symptoms are extra-oesophageal manifestations of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The aim of this study was to determine whether dental erosion was correlated with respiratory symptoms in GERD patients. Methods 88 GERD patients were recruited and assigned to three groups mainly according to the frequency of respiratory symptoms: Group I: never; Group II: occasional (1–2 days a week or less); Group III: frequent (3–5 days a week or more). All patients underwent medical evaluations, including medical history, questionnaire answering and alimentary tract examinations. Dental examinations were carried out on these patients and 36 healthy controls. Dental erosions were measured by modified method of Smith and Knight Tooth Wear Index (TWI). Location and severity of dental erosion were recorded. Results The prevalence of dental erosion in Group III (64.52%) was higher ( p < 0.05) than that in Groups I (36.67%) and II (44.44%). GERD patients were presented with dental erosion with TWI scores ranging from 1 to 4. Though proportion of dental erosion with Score 2 (7/20) in Group III was higher than that in Group I (2/11) and Group II (3/12), there was no statistical significance in the proportions of erosion scores among three patient groups. Correlation coefficient between airway symptoms and scores of dental erosion was 0.231 ( p < 0.05). Palatal erosion of upper incisor was seen in 8 persons (72.7%) in Group I, 9 persons (75%) in Group II and 16 persons (80%) in Group III ( p > 0.05). Labial erosion of upper incisors was found in 1 person in Groups I and II respectively and 4 persons in Group III. All patients with labial erosion on upper incisors had palatal erosion, except 1 patient in Group III. Conclusions In GERD patients, dental erosions are more prevalent in patients with frequent respiratory symptoms than those in patients with occasional and without respiratory symptoms. Palatal erosion of upper incisor is the main manifestation in patients. Acid reflux is the main causative factor of dental erosion in GERD patients with airway symptoms.

Gastro-oesophageal reflux and dental erosion

Relevant studies were sourced using Medline and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, along with reference lists from identified papers and reviews. Full papers were selected that assessed the prevalence of dental erosion in individuals who had gastro-oesophageal reflux (GERD), or vice versa, which were published in the English language. Data extractions was carried out by at least two authors using a standardised data extraction form. Because of a marked variation in outcome measures, qualitative synthesis was carried out. Seventeen studies met the selection criteria but they differed greatly in design, population, methods of diagnosing GERD, duration of followup and, consequently, in their findings. The median prevalence of dental erosion in GERD patients was 24%, with a large range (5-48%), and the median prevalence of GERD in dental erosion adults patients was 32.5% (range, 21-83%) and 17% in paediatric patients (range, 14-87%). This systematic review shows that there is a strong association between GERD and dental erosion. The severity of dental erosion seems to be correlated with the presence of GERD symptoms and also, at least in adults, with the severity of proximal oesophageal or oral exposure to an acidic pH. The inspection of the oral cavity in search for dental erosions should become a routine manoeuvre in patients who have GERD.

Pilot study of dental erosion and associated factors in university student volunteers

To investigate dental erosion and associated etiologic factors among students from one university. A total of 179 student volunteers from one university were examined clinically for their dental erosion. Each was required to complete a questionnaire regarding potentially associated etiologic factors. A modified criteria was used to grade the severity of dental erosion. The prevalence of dental erosion of this group was 45.8%, mostly in enamel. Facial surfaces of anterior teeth were most vulnerable to erosion. Statistic analysis indicated that acidic diets, such as carbonated drink, fruit juice, fruit drink and banana were risk factors to dental erosion. The findings strongly suggest that much attention should be given to dental erosion which was probably associated with acidic diet.

Dental erosion in 12‐year‐old schoolchildren: a cross‐sectional study in Southern Brazil

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and severity of dental erosion among 12-year-old schoolchildren in Joaçaba, southern Brazil, and to compare prevalence between boys and girls, and between public and private school students. A cross-sectional study was carried out involving all of the municipality's 499, 12-year-old schoolchildren. The dental erosion index proposed by O'Sullivan was used for the four maxillary incisors. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, location, distribution, and extension of affected area and severity of dental erosion. The prevalence of dental erosion was 13.0% (95% confidence interval = 9.0-17.0). There was no statistically significant difference in prevalence between boys and girls, but prevalence was higher in private schools (21.1%) than in public schools (9.7%) (P < 0.001). Labial surfaces were less often affected than palatal surfaces. Enamel loss was the most prevalent type of dental erosion (4.86 of 100 incisors). Sixty-three per cent of affected teeth showed more than a half of their surface affected. The prevalence of dental erosion in 12-year-old schoolchildren living in a small city in southern Brazil appears to be lower than that seen in most of epidemiological studies carried out in different parts of the world. Further longitudinal studies should be conducted in Brazil in order to measure the incidence of dental erosion and its impact on children's quality of life.

Dental and periodontal lesions in patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.

Dental erosion has been considered an extraesophageal manifestation of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, but few reports have studied the relationship between this disease and other periodontal or dental lesions. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of dental and periodontal lesions in patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. A total of 253 subjects were prospectively studied between April 1998 and May 2000. Two study groups were established: 181 patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and 72 healthy volunteers. Clinical assessment, including body mass index and consumption of tobacco and alcohol, was performed in all subjects, as well as a dental and periodontal examination performed by a dentist physician, blind as to the diagnosis of subjects. Parameters evaluated were: (a) presence and number of dental erosion, location and severity, according to the Eccles and Jenkins index [Prosthet Dent 1979;42:649-53], modified by Hattab [Int J Prosthes 2000;13:101-71; (b) assessment of dental condition by means of the CAO index; and (c) periodontal status analysed by the plaque index, the haemorrhage index, and gingival recessions. Clinical parameters were similar in both groups (p > 0.05). Age was statistically associated with the CAO index, presence of dental erosion, and gingival recession (p < 0.001, Student's t-test). Compared with the control group, the percentage of dental erosion was significantly higher in the gastro-oesophageal reflux disease group (12.5 vs. 47.5%, p < 0.001, chi2-test), as was the number and severity of dental erosions (p < 0.001, Student's t-test). Location of dental erosion was significantly different between groups. Age was not statistically related to either the amount or severity of dental erosion. CAO and periodontal indices were similarly distributed between groups. Dental erosion may even be considered as an extraesophageal manifestation of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. The fact that the prevalence of caries and periodontal lesions is similar in patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and in healthy volunteers suggests a lack of relationship with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.

Progression of and Risk Factors for Dental Erosion and Wedge–Shaped Defects over a 6–Year Period

It has been shown that dental erosion is not a very rare condition. Careful observation and clinical experience led us to hypothesize a progression of these lesions with time despite dietary counselling and oral hygiene instruction. The purpose of this study was to determine the progression rate and risk factors of dental erosion and wedge–shaped defects over a 6–year period. In the year 1987, 204 randomly selected persons living in Bern from two age groups (26–30 and 46–50 years) were examined for frequency and severity of dental erosion and wedge–shaped defects. In the year 1993, 55 persons could be re–examined by the same dentist using the same indices. Further, detailed case histories of the patients were recorded and the flow rate and buffering capacity of the saliva were determined. The results indicated a distinct progression of erosion on facial and occlusal surfaces and wedge–shaped defects over the 6–year period. The increase in the defects was more marked in the older age group. Surprisingly, nutritional habits did not change despite thorough informative discussion about erosive foodstuff with every patient during the first session. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed consumption of nutritional acids and age as significant risk factors explaining 28% of the variability of the progression of erosions. The significant factors for the progression of wedge–shaped defects were identified to be frequency of tooth brushing and age, explaining 21% of the variability of the progression of wedge–shaped defects. In summary, there was a definite statistically significant progression of non–carious dental hard tissue defects in our sample. This progression was correlated with age (erosion and wedge–shaped defects), consumption of dietary acids (erosion) and frequency of toothbrushing (wedge–shaped defects).

Dental erosion associated with soft-drink consumption in young Saudi men

This study reports on the causative factors of dental erosion in selected high- (n = 19) and low-erosion (n = 19) subgroups of a larger random sample (n = 95) or young male Saudi military inductees. By means of a questionnaire, the role of various possible factors related to oral health in general, and to dental erosion in particular, was assessed for each participant. Clinical examination included recordings of severity of dental erosion and fluorosis, presence of buccal cervical defects and first permanent molar ‘cupping’, DMFT and DMFS, visible plaque index and gingival bleeding index. In addition, bitewing radiographs, study casts, and intraoral color transparencies were obtained for each individual. Logistic regression analysis showed a strong correlation between the presence of dental erosion and a high level of consumption of cola-type soft drink. Other statistically significant associated factors, although of less predictive strength, were ye of cleaning aid and gingival bleeding index. In subgroup comparisons, dental problems (primarily pain), number of buccal cervical defects, and number of missing teeth were significantly greater in the highthan in the low-erosion subgroup.