Tooth surface loss among people exposed to cement and stone dust in the work environment in Tanzania

The effect of cement and stone dust on teeth was explored in a cross-sectional study, using blind dental examinations. The sample consisted of 36 workers who had been exposed to to the dust and 62 control workers. Tooth surface loss was observed in 72.2 per cent of the exposed workers and in 48.4 per cent of the controls (P less than 0.03). In both the maxillae (P less than 0.001) and the mandible (P less than 0.02) the amount of tooth surface loss was greater in the exposed workers than in the controls. Both anterior and posterior teeth were affected. These findings indicate that tooth surface loss caused by work-related dust should be considered an occupational hazard.