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Patterns of tooth surface loss among winemakers
U M E Chikte1, S Naidoo, T J v W Kolze
1Department of Community Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, PO Box 19063, Tygerberg. umec@sun.ac.za
Summary
Professional wine tasters experience increased tooth surface loss. Frequent wine exposure is linked to dental erosion, posing an occupational hazard for winemakers.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Wine consumption, particularly professional tasting, poses risks to dental hard and soft tissues.
- Low pH in alcoholic beverages can lead to dental erosion with prolonged and repeated exposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare tooth surface loss prevalence and severity in winemakers versus their non-exposed spouses.
- To investigate the occupational risks of wine tasting on dental health.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional, comparative study design.
- Clinical examination assessing caries, tooth surface loss, staining, fluorosis, and prosthetic status.
- Measurement of salivary flow rate, buffering capacity, and pH.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in the prevalence and severity of tooth surface loss were observed between winemakers and their spouses.
- Winemakers exhibited a higher occurrence of tooth surface loss, likely due to frequent wine exposure.
Conclusions:
- Frequent wine exposure is deleterious to dental enamel and represents an occupational hazard for winemakers.
- Dental erosion is an identified occupational risk for individuals involved in professional wine tasting.