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On dental erosion and associated factors
1Department of Cariology, Faculty of Odontology, Sahlgrenska Academy, Göteborg University.
Swedish Dental Journal. Supplement
|March 6, 2003
Summary
Dental erosion is prevalent in young Saudi men, linked to high soft drink intake and specific oral hygiene habits. Factors like drinking methods and deciduous teeth susceptibility also contribute to erosion risk in children.
Area of Science:
- Oral Health
- Dental Research
- Public Health
Background:
- Dental erosion is a multifactorial condition affecting tooth structure.
- Understanding its prevalence and associated factors is crucial for prevention and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of dental erosion in young Saudi men and children.
- To develop an assessment system for dental erosion severity.
- To identify factors associated with dental erosion.
Main Methods:
- Clinical examinations and questionnaires were used for young Saudi men (n=95).
- Dental erosion severity was assessed using a validated system.
- Intraoral pH measurements were conducted in healthy volunteers (n=18) to evaluate drinking methods.
- Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and microhardness testing were used for deciduous teeth analysis.
Main Results:
- Dental erosion was found in approximately one-fourth of maxillary anterior tooth surfaces in young Saudi men.
- High soft drink consumption (247 L/year), prolonged drink retention, intense oral hygiene, mouth breathing, and low gingival bleeding index correlated with erosion.
- Factors like less palatal plaque, more cervical defects, molar cuppings, missing teeth, and lower salivary urea content correlated with erosion severity.
- In children, high intake of acidic foods/drinks, respiratory issues, and medication use were common in severe erosion cases.
- Deciduous enamel is softer and more prone to erosion than permanent enamel.
- Drinking methods prolonging tooth contact with acidic beverages significantly impacted intraoral pH.
Conclusions:
- Dental erosion is common in young Saudi men and associated with numerous etiological, aggravating, and modifying factors.
- Soft drink consumption, palatal plaque, and salivary urea concentration are key factors related to erosion.
- Dental erosion in children is linked to general health and dietary factors, exacerbated by faster progression in deciduous teeth.
- Drinking methods play a significant role in the risk of developing dental erosion.