The association between erosive tooth wear and diet, hygiene habits and health awareness in adolescents aged 15 in Poland

Purpose The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of erosive tooth wear (ETW) and risk indicators in the population of adolescents aged 15 in Poland. Methods Erosive tooth wear in 2639 participants was determined by calibrated examiners according to the BEWE scoring system, and the prevalence of risk factors was assessed on the basis of a survey. Results Erosive tooth wear was reported in 24.3% of participants. Initial loss of surface (BEWE 1) was the predominant finding, observed in 21.3% of participants. Hard tissue loss (BEWE 2 and 3) occurred very rarely, only in 3% of participants. Acidic diet, masculine gender and lower socio-economic status were associated with higher prevalence and severity of erosive lesions in the examined population. Conclusion Two modifiable factors—acidic diet and low health awareness—were found to be highly unsatisfactory in the adolescents aged 15 in Poland. Accordingly, to prevent the deterioration of the functionality and aesthetics of the teeth in young people, certain measures, such as routine clinical examination, education, dietary consulting and prophylaxis, should be implemented as early as possible, focusing predominantly on families with lower socio-economic status.

Is Dental Fluorosis More Prone/Susceptible to Tooth Erosion?

Background: The fluoride drug is mentioned as a double-edged weapon due to its positive and negative outcomes. Reducing dental caries in large population, cost effective and excess fluoride in teeth or body may lead to systemic diseases and even death. Dental erosion affects the hard tissues of the teeth rendering them vulnerable to decay. Methods & Materials: A school based descriptive cross-sectional survey. Purposive sampling was performed. All examiners were calibrated and trained for the criteria to identify dental fluorosis and dental erosion. The World Health Organisation Oral Health Assessment form 2013 was used to fill and measure dental fluorosis and erosive tooth wear. For Univariate analysis, mean, frequencies of both genders (dental erosion and Fluorosis) while Chi square was calculated and for bivariate analysis. Results: 22.7 % students were found to have fluorosis (ranging from questionable level to severe). Male students (primarily teenagers) had more enamel erosion as compared to the female’s ones. Conclusion: The higher levels of fluoride in water may make children and adults more susceptible to erosive tooth wear. Consuming excess fluoridated water may turn the mild fluorosis cases into moderate or severe ones. Keywords: Fluorosis, Erosive Tooth Wear, Gender, Fluoride

Different Risk Factors for Erosive Tooth Wear in Rural and Urban Nepal: A National Study

Background: Erosive tooth wear (ETW) is of growing concern, but data on ETW among Nepalese children are scarce. The main aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence and severity of ETW among Nepalese schoolchildren. We also aimed to analyse the risk indicators for ETW according to location (rural/urban) and the role of obesity in the risk for ETW. Methods: This national study was conducted among 5–15-year-old Nepalese schoolchildren from different regions. Altogether, 1137 out of 1151 schoolchildren participated in both a clinical examination and a survey. ETW was recorded using the Basic Erosive Wear Examination. Results: The prevalence of ETW was 65%. One-fifth of the examined subjects were in need of preventive or restorative treatment. Living in an urban area and studying in a private school were protective factors for ETW, whereas consuming fruits frequently and using charcoal for tooth cleaning increased the odds for ETW. Central obesity was the strongest risk indicator for ETW among urban residents. Conclusions: ETW of low severity is common among Nepalese children and adolescents. Socio-demographic factors influence the prevalence of ETW in Nepal and there seems to be different factors that play a role in the ETW process according to location of residence.