Tooth wear and associated risk factors in a sample of Australian primary school children

Anecdotally, tooth wear is increasing, perhaps attributable to diet. The irreversible surface loss may result in sensitivity and loss of form and function. Little data exist on the prevalence of tooth wear in Australian children. This study investigated consumption of potentially erosive foods and drinks, examining the prevalence, distribution of tooth wear and associations in a sample of children.

Parents of 350, 6-12-year-olds reported their child's oral hygiene, dietary intake, medical and dental histories; 154 children (subsample) were examined. Associations were studied with single and multivariable analyses.

Tooth wear was parentally reported for 17% (59 children of the study population) and observed in 66% (102 of the subsample), particularly affecting primary teeth. Significant risk factors for parentally reported tooth wear were: consuming 2-4 cups soft drink/day (OR = 9.52), citrus flavoured sweets/gums ≥1/day (5.10), citrus fruits 1-2/wk (4.28); tooth grinding (5.32); medical condition present (2.48); male gender (2.80). Drinking 2-4 cups fruit juice/day was a significant risk factor for both parentally reported (3.23) and observed tooth wear (3.97).

Tooth wear appeared under-reported as some parents were unaware their child's teeth were affected. Significant risk factors for tooth wear were identifiable from children's histories. Risk factors should be addressed early so that tooth wear in the primary dentition does not affect permanent teeth.