[Erosion in early school-age children]

The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence, the severity and the distribution of erosive lesions in children, living in a rural region in Switzerland. A total of 42 children, aged between five and nine years, were examined. The following parameters were assessed: erosion on the facial, occlusal and oral tooth sites; flow rate and buffering capacity of resting saliva; oral hygiene and nutrition. The occurrence of erosive lesions was as follows: All children had one or more erosive lesions degree 1 (erosion within enamel) on occlusal surfaces and 20 (47.6%) of them showed at least one lesion of degree 2 (dentinal erosion). Already six (14.3%) of the examined children had one or more erosive lesions on occlusal surfaces of permanent teeth. Facial and oral erosions were scarce and only deciduous teeth were involved: Facial erosive lesions were examined in four (9.5%) (degree 1) and two (4.8%) (degree 2) of the children and oral lesions in three (7.1%) (degree 1) and one (2.4%) of them (degree 2). No statistically significantly impact of the following parameters on the occurence, distribution and degree of erosive lesions was found: age, gender, flow rate of resting saliva, buffering capacity, orale hygiene and nutrition. The results show clearly that erosive lesions can be detected already on deciduous teeth and the young permanent dentition is also involved. Early detection of the lesions is important. Preventive measures have to be initiated to stop or at least to diminish the erosive process.