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Vegetarian children and dental erosion
Y H al-Dlaigan1, L Shaw, A J Smith
1Department of Paediatric Dentistry, University of Birmingham, Dental School, St Chads Queensway, Birmingham, B4 6NN, UK. y.h.aldlaigan@bham.ac.uk
International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry
|August 4, 2001
Summary
Dental erosion is common in teenagers, with no significant difference found between vegetarian and non-vegetarian children. This study examined erosion prevalence and dietary intake in 14-year-olds in Birmingham.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Dental Public Health
- Dietary Science
Background:
- Teenage lifestyle and dietary habits have shifted, with increased consumption of acidic soft drinks and foods.
- These dietary changes may contribute to the rising incidence of dental erosion among adolescents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of vegetarianism and dental erosion in 14-year-old children in Birmingham, UK.
- To investigate potential differences in dental erosion and dietary intake between vegetarian and non-vegetarian children.
Main Methods:
- A cluster random sample of 418 14-year-olds (209 males, 209 females) from 12 Birmingham schools.
- Dietary questionnaires and tooth wear assessments using a modified Tooth Wear Index (TWI).
- Statistical analysis included t-tests and Chi-square analysis (P < 0.05 significance).
Main Results:
- 10% of the sample identified as vegetarian; 52% exhibited low dental erosion, 48% moderate.
- No statistically significant differences in dental erosion prevalence were observed between vegetarian and non-vegetarian groups.
- Significant variations in specific food and drink consumption patterns were noted between the two groups.
Conclusions:
- Dental erosion is a prevalent issue among teenage populations.
- Dietary choices, including vegetarianism, did not significantly correlate with the prevalence of dental erosion in this cohort.
- Further research into specific dietary components influencing dental erosion is warranted.