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Updated: Aug 28, 2026
Oral Health Assessment by Lay Personnel for Older Adults
Published on: February 2, 2020
The Systemic Connection in Dental Erosion: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of the Interrelationship Between General Health
Simona Iacob1, Mădălina Bălaj1, Radu Chisnoiu2
1Department of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dental Medicine, "Iuliu Hațieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
Abstract:
Background and Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and severity of dental erosion using the Basic Erosive Wear Examination (BEWE) index in an adult cohort, exploring its associations with systemic health, gastrointestinal symptoms, and dietary habits. Materials and Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted with 170 adult patients at a university clinic in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, between January and June 2026. Participants completed a standardized questionnaire detailing general characteristics, diet, systemic conditions, and symptoms. Dental erosion was clinically recorded via the highest BEWE score per sextant. Chairside tests evaluated unstimulated salivary pH and buffering capacity. Data were analyzed using chi-square tests and ordinal logistic regression. Results: Most patients exhibited low BEWE risk. Bivariate analyses revealed significant associations between elevated BEWE risk and advanced age, GERD, eating disorders, and carbonated beverage consumption. However, in the adjusted ordinal logistic regression model, only advanced age, GERD, digestive symptoms (difficulty swallowing, digestive burns), and specific medications (anti-asthma drugs, aspirin) remained independent predictors of increased erosive wear risk. Conclusions: Dental erosion is a multifactorial condition strongly shaped by advanced age, GERD, eating disorders, and carbonated beverage intake. A comprehensive risk-based approach incorporating medical histories, symptom screening, and dietary counseling is essential for early clinical identification and prevention.
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