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Mimicking and Measuring Occlusal Erosive Tooth Wear with the "Rub&Roll" and Non-contact Profilometry
Published on: February 2, 2018
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Risk prediction models for erosive wear in preschool-aged children: a prospective study
Gabriella Gatt1, Nikolai Attard2
1Department of Child Dental Health and Orthodontics, Faculty of Dental Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta. gabriella.gatt@um.edu.mt.
BMC Oral Health
|July 28, 2022
Summary
Age-specific risk factors for childhood erosive tooth wear were identified. Models for 3-year-olds focused on demographics, while 5-year-olds considered biological and behavioral factors, with erosive wear being a key predictor in both groups.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Dental Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Erosive tooth wear is increasing in prevalence among preschool children.
- Age-specific risk predictive models are lacking, hindering early intervention.
- Identifying at-risk children can prevent progression to permanent dentition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify age-specific risk factors for erosive tooth wear in young children.
- To develop distinct risk prediction models for 3-year-old and 5-year-old children.
Main Methods:
- A prospective cohort study involving clinical examinations and parent questionnaires.
- Assessment of erosion (BEWE), caries (ICDAS), plaque, calculus, trauma, saliva, and BMI.
- Non-parametric tests and ROC analysis were used to develop and evaluate risk prediction models.
Main Results:
- For 3-year-olds, risk factors included erosive wear, district, and family size.
- For 5-year-olds, risk factors included erosive wear, gender, iced tea consumption, and dry mouth.
- Erosive wear was a significant risk factor for further wear in both age groups.
Conclusions:
- Risk factors for erosive tooth wear differ significantly between 3-year-olds (demographic) and 5-year-olds (biological/behavioral).
- Erosive wear itself is a predictor of future wear in both age cohorts.
- These findings enable targeted interventions for preschool children at risk of dental erosion.

