Dental erosion in a group of British 14-year-old, school children. Part I: Prevalence and influence of differing socioeconomic backgrounds

Patterns in consumption of potentially erosive beverages among adolescent school children in the Netherlands

AIM

To determine the frequency of intake and patterns in consumption of potentially erosive beverages in school children in the Netherlands.

METHODS

A cross-sectional, single centre study was performed among 502 school children in Rotterdam, in age varying between 12 and 19 years. Data on consumption of soft drinks, energy drinks, sports drinks and alcopops were obtained through a self-reported questionnaire. Gender- and age-related differences in consumption were analysed with Chi-square, Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests. Associations between variables were investigated with Chi-square tests and Spearman's rank order correlation analysis.

RESULTS

Boys consumed soft drinks, energy drinks and sports drinks more frequently than girls, and on average also consumed higher amounts of these drinks. No gender-related differences were observed in alcopop consumption. Consumption of all drinks was most frequent at 14- or 15-year of age, with the exception of alcopops which was most frequent by 16-year-old school children. Significant positive associations were observed between the consumption of soft drinks, energy drinks and/or sports drinks. Alcopop consumption was only associated with consumption of energy drinks.

CONCLUSION

Consumption of soft drinks, energy drinks, sports drinks and alcopops by school children is related to age and gender. The significant positive associations between the consumption of these drinks suggest that a subgroup of school children exists with a high cumulative intake of these potentially erosive drinks.

An effective oral health promoting message?

This paper questions the effectiveness of current oral health promoting activities in reducing social inequalities in oral health. An attempt is made to address the needs of dental professionals and nutritionists in communicating an understanding of biological aspects of the aetiology of caries and erosion. With a clear understanding of the disease process oral health promoters can possibly reduce social inequalities in oral health. A clear common message which satisfies both dental and nutritional professionals is presented. The issues of commonality and ambiguity are fundamental to effective behavioural/teaching practice. Currently the evidence base suggests that dietary messages are inconsistent and ambiguous. Therefore, a clear common and unambiguous dietary message, based on science, could go some way to improving oral health inequalities.

The problem with an epidemiological index for dental erosion

This article reviews and discusses the difficulties posed by the application of epidemiological indices for the measurement of dental erosion. It covers several aspects of index design.

Tooth wear in the deciduous dentition of 5-7-year-old children: risk factors

This study was conducted to investigate the distribution and severity of tooth wear in deciduous dentition and its relationship with possible risk factors. A stratified cluster sample of 243 5-7-year-old children was examined using the tooth wear index of Smith and Knight, and their exposure to intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors was retrospectively investigated through a structured questionnaire. The severity of wear was quantitatively estimated by the number of surfaces with affected dentine and by the cumulative score of the sextants, based on the Basic Erosive Wear Examination scoring system. Only 1.6% of the children were tooth wear free, whereas 45.6% had moderate to severe wear involving dentine. Maxillary canines were the most affected teeth (83.2%), and occlusal/incisal the most affected surfaces (52.7%). The likelihood of tooth wear involving dentine was greater in boys than girls (OR = 1.72), in immigrants than in Greeks (OR = 1.93), and in 6- and 7-year olds than in 5-year olds (OR = 2.78 to 2.93). After adjustment for age, gender, and nationality, exposure to several dietary factors and especially to soft drinks was found to significantly affect the prevalence (OR = 1.27) and the severity of tooth wear. Every additional serving/week of consumption of soft drinks increases the number of surfaces with dentine affected by 0.03 per year (p < 0.05) and the cumulative score of sextants by 0.04 (p < 0.05). The cluster of children with the higher prevalence and severity of tooth wear had an average exposure to soft drinks of 10 servings/week for a duration of 4 years. The cumulative score of sextants was better predicted by the assessed risk factors, in comparison with the number of surfaces with affected dentine. Tooth wear is a common condition in children, related both to the physiological process of aging of dentition and to the erosive effect of dietary factors. Strategies to reduce the intake of soft drinks in children are expected to have multiple benefits preventing tooth wear in childhood and in later life, as well as many other general and oral health diseases.

A literature review of dental erosion in children

Dental erosion is increasingly recognized as a common condition in paediatric dentistry with complications of tooth sensitivity, altered aesthetics and loss of occlusal vertical dimension. The prevalence of erosion in children has been reported to range from 10% to over 80%. The primary dentition is thought to be more susceptible to erosion compared to the permanent dentition due to the thinner and less mineralized enamel. The aim of this paper was to critically review dental erosion in children with regards to its prevalence, aetiology, diagnosis and prevention. The associations between erosion and other common conditions in children such as caries and enamel hypoplasia are also discussed.

Prevalence of dental erosion in children: a national survey

OBJECTIVES

To measure the prevalence of dental erosion in permanent teeth in Iceland as part of the National Oral Health Survey.

METHODS

A representative, nationwide sample of 2251 Icelandic children, 20% of those aged 6, 12 and 15 year, was examined. Dental erosion was recorded for all erupted permanent teeth and graded using the modified scale of Lussi.

RESULTS

Erosion was not seen in the permanent teeth of six-year-olds, but was present in 15.7% of 12-year-olds, more frequently in boys than girls (19.9% boys, 11.0% girls; P < 0.001). Among 15-year-olds, dental erosion was seen among 30.7% of subjects (38.3% boys, 22.7% girls; P < 0.001). Severity of erosion was mostly scored as grade I, with only 5.5% of 15-year-olds scored as grade II, mostly on tooth 46 (4.3%) and 36 (4.2%). For 12-year-olds, 0.9% had erosion scores of grade II mostly on tooth 46 (0.8%) and 36 (0.7%). No subjects had erosion of grade III. The most common clinical manifestation of erosion was the appearance of cup-like lesions on the cusps of lower first molars.

CONCLUSIONS

Dental erosion was frequently present by the age of 12; the prevalence doubled by age 15 and was seen almost twice as often among boys than girls. Teeth most frequently showing signs of erosion were the lower first molars. The rapidly growing prevalence of erosion demonstrated by this nationwide survey emphasizes the need for further research into the aetiology of erosion and possible methods of preventing and treating this emerging dental problem.

Effect of casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate added to acidic beverages on enamel erosion in vitro

BACKGROUND

To investigate, in vitro, the effect on enamel erosion of the addition of 0.2% w/v casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) to four commercially-available soft drinks, two of which were carbonated.

METHODS

Enamel specimens (n=27) were sectioned from sound extracted human third molar teeth and polished to a mirror finish. Exposed enamel windows of 1 mm2 were created by painting the surface with acid-resistant nail varnish. Four citric flavoured soft drinks (pH range 2.2 to 2.4) and distilled deionized water (DDW) were tested. Each drink was tested with and without 0.2% CPP-ACP w/v. The specimens were placed into 50 mL of solution at 37 °C for 30 minutes, rinsed and varnish removed. The samples were profiled with a white light profilometer and erosive depths recorded.

RESULTS

All soft drinks tested caused enamel erosion but adding 0.2% w/v CPP-ACP significantly reduced (p<.05) erosive depth in all test solutions in comparison with the solutions without CPP-ACP. The erosive depths for all solutions with 0.2% CPP-ACP did not differ significantly from those of DDW.

CONCLUSIONS

Adding CPP-ACP at 0.2% w/v significantly decreased the erosivity of all four soft drinks. The erosivity of the soft drinks with 0.2% CPP-ACP added did not differ significantly from that of distilled water.

The prevalence of dental erosion and associated risk factors in 12-13-year-old school children in Southern China

Background

Dental erosion has been investigated in developed and developing countries and the prevalence varies considerably in different countries, geographic locations, and age groups. With the lifestyle of the Chinese people changing significantly over the decades, dental erosion has begun to receive more attention. However, the information about dental erosion in China is scarce. The purpose of this study was to explore the prevalence of dental erosion and associated risk factors in 12-13-year-old school children in Guangzhou, Southern China.

Methods

This cross-sectional survey was performed by two trained, calibrated examiners. A stratified random sample of 12-13-year-old children (774 boys and 725 girls) from 10 schools was examined for dental erosion using the diagnostic criteria of Eccles and the index of O'Sullivan was applied to record the distribution, severity, and amount of the lesions. Data on the socio-economic status, health behaviours, and general health involved in the etiology of dental erosion were obtained from a self-completed questionnaire. The analyses were performed using SPSS software.

Results

At least one tooth surface with signs of erosion was found in 416 children (27.3%). The most frequently affected teeth were the central incisors (upper central incisors, 16.3% and 15.9%; lower central incisors, 17.4% and 14.8%). The most frequently affected surface was the incisal or occlusal edge (43.2%). The loss of enamel contour was present in 54.6% of the tooth surfaces with erosion. Of the affected tooth surfaces, 69.3% had greater than one-half of the tooth surface was affected. The results from logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the children who were female, consumed carbonated drinks once a week or more, and those whose mothers were educated to the primary level tended to have more dental erosion.

Conclusions

Dental erosion in 12-13-year-old Chinese school children is becoming a significant problem. A strategy of offering preventive care, including more campaigns promoting a healthier lifestyle for those at risk of dental erosion should be conducted in Chinese children and their parents.

Glass ionomer cements and their role in the restoration of non-carious cervical lesions

Glass ionomer based materials are clinically popular in several areas of restorative dentistry, but restoration of cervical lesions has proven particularly successful. Various etiologies, conformations, locations and structural characteristics make non-carious cervical lesions more challenging to adhesive restorative procedures and marginal seal in the long run. Due to their characteristics, glass ionomer cements (GICs) have precise indication for these cases. Moreover, the use of a GIC base underneath composite resin, the so-called "sandwich" or mixed technique, allows associating the good characteristics of composite resins and GICs, and has been considered quite useful in the restoration of non-carious cervical defects. The aim of this paper is to critically review the literature and discuss peculiar features of GICs regarding their role in the restoration of non-carious cervical lesions.

Tooth-wear patterns in subjects with Class II Division 1 malocclusion and normal occlusion

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of tooth wear in adolescents with Class II malocclusion, compared with those with normal occlusion.

METHODS

The sample consisted of dental casts obtained from 310 subjects, divided into 3 groups: group 1, 110 subjects with normal occlusion (mean age, 13.51 years); group 2, 100 complete Class II Division 1 patients (mean age, 13.44 years); and group 3, 100 half-cusp Class II Division 1 patients (mean age, 13.17 years). Dental wear was assessed by using a modified version of the tooth-wear index. The 3 groups were compared by means of the Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests, considering the frequency and the severity of wear on each surface of each group of teeth. The level of statistical significance was set at 5%.

RESULTS

The normal occlusion group had statistically greater tooth wear on the palatal surfaces of the maxillary central incisors and the incisal surfaces of the maxillary canines than the corresponding surfaces in both Class II malocclusion groups. The complete and half-cusp Class II Division 1 malocclusion groups had statistically greater tooth wear on the occlusal surfaces of the maxillary second premolar and first molar, the occlusal surfaces of the mandibular premolars, and the buccal surfaces of the mandibular posterior teeth compared with the normal occlusion group. The half-cusp Class II Division 1 malocclusion group had significantly greater tooth wear on the incisal surfaces of the mandibular incisors compared with the complete Class II Division 1 malocclusion group.

CONCLUSIONS

Subjects with normal occlusion and complete or half-cusp Class II Division 1 malocclusions have different tooth-wear patterns. Tooth wear on the malocclusion subjects should not be considered pathologic but rather consequent to the different interocclusal tooth arrangement.

Erosive tooth wear among children in the United States: relationship to race/ethnicity and obesity

OBJECTIVE

The study aims were to estimate the prevalence of erosive tooth wear (ETW) in children and to specifically examine its association with race/ethnicity and obesity in the United States.

DESIGN

We analysed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 2003-2004. ETW was measured using the modified Smith and Knight Tooth Wear Index derived from the 1998 United Kingdom Adult Health Survey.

RESULTS

This study shows that 45.9% of children aged 13-19 years had evidence of ETW in at least one tooth. The prevalence of ETW was bilaterally symmetrical in all teeth examined and was most prevalent in mandibular [corrected] teeth. Females had significantly lower rates of ETW of any tooth compared to males. African Americans had significantly lower rates of ETW (except in the canines), and Hispanics had similar rates compared to whites. Compared to 'healthy weight' children, those 'at risk for overweight' had lower rates of ETW and the 'overweight' groups had higher rates, but results were not significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Substantial proportions of children in the US are affected by ETW. Compared to whites, African American children had significantly lower rates of ETW. Although not significant, 'overweight' (obese) children had increased odds of having ETW and those at 'risk for overweight' had lower odds compared to 'healthy weight' children.

UK National Clinical Guidelines in Paediatric Dentistry: diagnosis, prevention and management of dental erosion

This revised Clinical Guideline in Paediatric Dentistry replaces the previously published ninth guideline (Shaw L, O'Sullivan E. Int J Paediatr Dent 2000; 10: 356-365). The process of guideline production began in 1994, resulting in first publication in 1997. Each guideline has been circulated widely for consultation to all UK consultants in paediatric dentistry, council members of the British Society of Paediatric Dentistry (BSPD), and to people of related specialities recognized to have expertise in the subject. The final version of this guideline is produced from a combination of this input and thorough review of the published literature. In the case of the present guideline, an internationally recognized expert in the field was invited to be a co-author (AM). The intention is to encourage improvement in clinical practice and to stimulate research and clinical audit in areas where scientific evidence is inadequate. Evidence underlying recommendations is scored according to the SIGN classification and guidelines should be read in this context. Further details regarding the process of paediatric dentistry guideline production in the UK is described in the Int J Paediatr Dent 1997; 7: 267-268.

A longitudinal study of tooth erosion in adolescents

Incidence studies on tooth erosion among adolescents are scarce. This longitudinal study aimed at estimating the prevalence, incidence, progression, and distribution of erosion in young adolescents over a 1.5-year period. Erosion at baseline was present in 32.2% of the 622 children (mean age, 11.9 +/- 0.9 yrs) and increased to 42.8% over 1.5 yrs. The prevalence of deep enamel or dentin erosion increased from 1.8% to 13.3%. It was hypothesized that more boys will suffer from erosion than girls. At baseline, no difference was found (p = 0.139), whereas 1.5 yrs later, more boys showed erosion than girls (p = 0.026). Of the erosion-free children, 24.2% developed erosion. Progression of erosion in terms of lesion depth and/or in number of lesions was 61.0% and was found more frequently in boys than in girls (p = 0.034). The distribution of erosion showed a predominance of occlusal surfaces of molars, especially the mesiobuccal cusp top, and palatal surfaces of upper anterior teeth.

Pathological or physiological erosion--is there a relationship to age?

This conventional literature review discusses whether pathological tooth wear is age dependant. It briefly reviews the components of tooth wear and the prevalence of tooth wear in children, adolescents and adults. The emphasis on terminology relating to tooth wear varies. In some countries, the role of erosion is considered the most important, whereas others consider the process to be a combination of erosion, attrition and abrasion often with one being more dominant. The importance of tooth wear or erosion indices in the assessment and the evidence for progression within subject and within lesions is described. The data from the few studies reporting pathological levels of wear reported in children and adults are discussed, in particular its relationship with age. There is little evidence to support the concept that pathological levels of erosion or wear are age dependant. There is, however, some evidence to suggest that normal levels of erosion or wear are age dependant.

Dental erosion amongst 13- and 14-year-old Brazilian schoolchildren

OBJECTIVES

To assess the prevalence of dental erosion in a sample of 13- and 14-year-old Brazilian schoolchildren and to assess the relationship of dental erosion and socio-demographic characteristics.

METHODS

A convenience sample of 458 children (190 boys and 268 girls) from 14 schools in Três Corações, south east Brazil, was examined. Socio-demographic data were collected by self-completion questionnaires.

RESULTS

Dental erosion was observed in 34.1% of subjects, involving enamel only and showing a symmetrical distribution. The palatal surfaces of the upper incisors were the most commonly affected surfaces. Erosion experience was higher in boys; pupils from Government funded schools; those resident in rural areas and those from the high economic class, but none of these were statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

These data are the first to show that in a cohort of 13-14-year old Brazilian schoolchildren, approximately one third of those examined showed mild erosion, requiring clinical preventive counselling. No statistically significant association was observed between erosion, gender and socioeconomic factors.

Non-carious tooth conditions in children in the UK, 2003

BACKGROUND

The 2003 Children's Dental Health Survey is the fourth of the 10-yearly surveys of children's oral health.

AIM

To report the prevalence of three non-carious tooth conditions in children in the UK.

METHOD

A representative sample of children five, eight, 12 and 15 years of age were examined by calibrated examiners in schools across the UK. The dental examination included accidental damage to incisors, tooth surface loss (TSL) and enamel opacities (age 12 only). A postal questionnaire sought parental and child views on marks on teeth which could not be removed by brushing.

RESULTS

The proportion of children sustaining accidental damage to permanent incisors decreased to 11% of 12 and 13% of 15-year-olds, but the majority of accidental damage remained untreated. TSL was found on 53% of five-year-olds and on approximately a third of 12 and 15-year-olds. There was a statistically significant change for TSL on permanent teeth at age 15 where 27% upper incisors had TSL palatally in 1993 compared to 33% in 2003. Thirty-four per cent of 12-year-old children had enamel opacities on one or more of their teeth compared with 36% in 1993.

CONCLUSIONS

Tooth surface loss remains a common finding in children in the UK. A large proportion of accidental damage to teeth remains untreated.

Epidemiological studies of tooth wear and dental erosion in 14-year old children in North West England. Part 2: The association of diet and habits

OBJECTIVE

To determine the strength of association (expressed as Odds Ratios) of potential risk factors with erosion and tooth wear in 14-year-old schoolchildren.

DESIGN

A random sample of 2,385 children were selected by a stratified two-stage technique based on schools and children.

SETTING

Schools in NW England.

METHODS

Tooth wear was assessed by one examiner on three surfaces of all 12 anterior teeth (labial, incisal and palatal) and the occlusal surface of all four first molars using a four-point scale. Enamel wear was scored 0, dentine exposure <1/3 scored 1, >1/3 scored 2 and secondary dentine or pulpal exposure, scored 3. A questionnaire enquired about general health, dental health, habits and the frequency of intake of a wide range of foods and drinks.

RESULTS

The Odds Ratios for tooth wear on any surface for habits, reflux and certain foods were: bruxism, 1.10; stomach upset, 1.45; pickles 1.86; vinegar 1.36; salt and vinegar crisps 1.33; brown/other sauces 1.57. Similarly, the odds ratios for potentially erosive drinks were: fizzy drinks 1.32; sport drinks 1.58; herbal/lemon tea 3.97. The frequency of intake was bi-modal with 397 children drinking a can per day and 207 drinking two cans per day. A significant number drank acidic beverages at bedtime but this was not associated with dental erosion.

CONCLUSION

Although odds ratios greater than unity indicate an association, this was not high for carbonated beverages and many other acidic foods or drinks. Examining at fourteen years may not be ideal, as the determinants of erosion/tooth wear have not acted for long, the indices do not discriminate sufficiently and proportionately few subjects have dentine exposed on smooth surfaces.

Epidemiological studies of tooth wear and dental erosion in 14-year-old children in North West England. Part 1: The relationship with water fluoridation and social deprivation

OBJECTIVE

The effect of water fluoridation upon dental erosion/tooth wear in the UK has not been investigated. This study aimed to compare the prevalence of tooth wear in 14-year-old schoolchildren in non-fluoridated and fluoridated districts of North West (NW) England. The influence of deprivation and tooth brushing was also investigated.

DESIGN

A random sample of 10% of the 14-year-old population in NW England was selected and stratified according to fluoridation status as determined from water authority postcode listings.

METHODS

Tooth wear was scored on the labial, incisal and palatal/lingual surfaces of the 12 anterior teeth and the occlusal surfaces of the first molars. Enamel wear was scored 0, dentine was scored 1 or 2, dependent on whether less than or more than a third of the surface had exposed dentine. Secondary dentine or pulpal exposure scored 3. Townsend deprivation scores were gained from residential post codes.

RESULTS

A total of 2,351 children were examined, of which 637 (27%) lived in the one fluoridated district of South Cheshire and 1,714 (73%) lived in 11 non-fluoridated districts. Fifty-three per cent of the children had exposed dentine with significantly more males affected than females (p<0.001). In the fluoridated district, significantly fewer children had exposed dentine on labial and palatal smooth surfaces (p<0.001) but no differences were found for incisal and occlusal surfaces. The interaction of fluoridation and tooth brushing twice per day resulted in a significant (30%) reduction in erosion. Smooth surface wear was more prevalent in children resident in affluent areas.

CONCLUSION

Children in non-fluoridated districts are 1.5 times more likely to have smooth surface wear compared with children in fluoridated districts. Fluoridation and use of fluoridated toothpaste twice a day provide added protection from dental erosion. The risk of tooth wear is greater with increasing affluence.

Protective effect of the in situ formed short-term salivary pellicle

Salivary pellicle, as previously investigated, protects the enamel surface after certain processes of maturation against the influence of acidic agents. The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective effect of the short-term salivary pellicle formed in situ over periods of 3, 60 and 120 min. Six human volunteers used intraoral acrylic splints with bovine enamel samples fixed at the buccal and palatal sites of the maxillary first molars and second premolars. Enamel specimens (n = 252) with and without pellicle were immersed for 60 s in 1.0% citric acid solution under agitation. Knoop surface hardness (KHN) of uneroded polished enamel was measured as a baseline and estimated immediately after erosive treatment reflecting the microhardness loss (DeltaKHN). The amounts of calcium dissolved from the eroded enamel surface were analysed by atomic absorption spectroscopy and scored in mg/l per 10 mm2 of enamel surface area. In addition, the scanning electron microscope was used for the micromorphological examination of the erosive alterations of the enamel surface. The average microhardness loss values after erosion of the enamel samples with buccally/palatally formed pellicle layers were measured as 139.1/144.9 DeltaKHN for 3 min pellicle, 145.9/146.9 DeltaKHN for 60 min pellicle and 141.7/138.6 DeltaKHN for 120 min pellicle. Calcium release values from the specimens with buccal/palatal pellicles were amounted to 15.0/14.9, 16.5/15.9 and 15.3/17.4 mg/l per 10 mm2 for 3, 60 and 120 min-old pellicles, respectively. No significant differences were related to the pellicle formation time and intraoral site (buccal or palatal) in all tested series (ANOVA, P < 0.05). However, significant protection of the enamel surface provided by the pellicle layer was observed on all pellicle-covered surfaces if compared to the non-covered enamel samples (calcium release: 25.6 mg/l per 10 mm2; microhardness loss 187.0 DeltaKHN). These data were in accordance with the morphologic alterations caused by citric acid on the pellicle-covered and pellicle non-covered specimens. It could be concluded that salivary pellicle formed in situ within a period of 3 min offers protection of enamel against citric acid. However, pellicle does not completely inhibit the erosive action of citric acid under the conditions of the present study.

Modification of soft drinks with xanthan gum to minimise erosion: a study in situ

OBJECTIVE

To compare the erosive effect of a new blackcurrant/calcium drink with xanthan gum, on enamel in situ, with a low erosive product, a conventional fruit beverage and water.

DESIGN

The study was single centre, randomised, single blind, 4 treatment crossover design.

SETTING

This study, conducted in 2000, employed volunteers working at the Bristol Dental Hospital, UK.

SUBJECTS, MATERIALS AND METHODS

16 subjects (>or=18 years) wore two enamel samples in a removable acrylic appliance. The drinks tested were (A) New blackcurrant/calcium/gum drink (test product), (B) Original blackcurrant/calcium drink, (C) Conventional blackcurrant drink (positive control) and (D) Water (negative control), for 15 day study periods. Drinking was supervised, with 250 ml imbibed four times/day between 9.00am-5.00pm. Profile measurements of specimens were made at baseline, 5, 10 and 15 days.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Paired t-tests compared erosion by surfometry with selected pairs of formulations.

RESULTS

Of 16 screened subjects (3 male, 13 female), mean age 34.2 years, 1 subject failed to complete the study. A caused significantly less enamel loss than C, with no statistically significant differences from B at any time points measured. Of 43 treatment emergent adverse events, none were considered related to the study formulations.

CONCLUSIONS

A retained low erosive properties similar to B, with additional benefits of taste flexibility and beverage stability.

The prevalence of tooth erosion in 12-year-old children

OBJECTIVES

To establish the prevalence of tooth erosion in a representative sample of 12-year-old children in Leicestershire and Rutland. To determine if gender, ethnic group, deprivation or caries experience influences the prevalence of erosion.

METHODS

A random sample of 1,753 12-year-olds resident in Leicestershire and Rutland were examined in 62 schools; 906 were boys and 847 girls; 1,379 were Caucasian and 316 Asian. Tooth erosion was assessed using the index employed in the survey of Children's Dental Health in England and Wales (1993). The Townsend index was used to record deprivation.

RESULTS

Tooth erosion was found in 59.7% of the children, with 2.7% exhibiting exposed dentine. Significantly more boys than girls; Caucasian than Asian children; and those with caries experience, had erosion present (chi-square for all P<0.01). Overall no significant difference was found between deprivation categories, however socio-economically advantaged Caucasian children had significantly less tooth erosion than other groups.

CONCLUSIONS

There was a high prevalence of tooth erosion in 12-year-old children. Significantly more erosion occurred in boys than girls, and culture appeared to influence prevalence. Children with caries experience had a higher prevalence of erosion than those without caries, which may reflect a lower level of dietary care. Deprivation seemed to affect the prevalence of tooth erosion in Caucasian children.

Mild dehydration: a risk factor for dental disease?

A review of the published international literature was undertaken to investigate whether dehydration is a risk factor for dental disease. Published evidence of associations between saliva and dental disease and between saliva and dehydration was observed, but the precise nature of these associations is unclear and no evidence of a direct link between dehydration and dental disease was found. It is concluded that no direct link between dehydration and dental disease has been proven, although there is considerable circumstantial evidence to indicate that such a link exists.

The progression of tooth erosion in a cohort of adolescents of mixed ethnicity

OBJECTIVES

To establish the prevalence of tooth erosion in a sample of 12-year-old children and to monitor changes over the subsequent 2 years.

METHODS

A random sample of 1753 children aged 12 years was drawn from all 62 state maintained schools in Leicestershire. A total of 1308 were re-examined 2 years later. Erosion was recorded on incisors and first molars using an erosion index based upon that from the Children's Dental Health in the United Kingdom 1993 survey. A score was also allocated to each subject according to the most advanced lesion in the mouth.

RESULTS

Erosion was present in 56.3% of subjects at age 12 and 64.1% at age 14. Deep enamel or dentine was eroded in 4.9% and 13.1% of subjects, respectively, at the same ages. One hundred and sixty-one (12.3%) children who were erosion-free at 12 years of age developed erosion over the subsequent 2 years. Boys had more erosion than girls, as did white compared to Asian children. Associations were found between erosion experience and social deprivation.

CONCLUSION

New erosive lesions developed in 12.3% of the subjects between the ages of 12 and 14 years. New or more advanced lesions were seen in 27% of the children over the 2 years of the study. Males, white children and social deprivation were significantly associated with erosion experience.

Dental erosion -- changing prevalence? A review of British National childrens' surveys

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the change in the prevalence of dental erosion, over time, by a review of the data from the published national dental surveys of young people in the UK. A subsidiary objective was to investigate the relationship between erosion and possible associated risk factors.

DESIGN

The review was based on cross-sectional prevalence studies incorporating a clinical dental examination and structured interviews.

SAMPLE

The data were collated from the 1993 UK childrens' dental health survey and the dental report of the two National Diet and Nutrition Surveys (NDNS) of children aged 1(1/2)-4(1/2) in 1992/3 and 4-18 years in 1996/7. The criteria used for data collection were comparable between the three different studies.

RESULTS

Comparing the data from the different studies, the prevalence of erosion was seen to increase from the time of the childrens' dental health survey in 1993 and the NDNS study of 4-18-year-olds in 1996/7. There was a trend towards a higher prevalence of erosion in children aged between 3(1/2) and 4(1/2) and in those who consumed carbonated drinks on most days compared with toddlers consuming these drinks less often. Drinks overnight were associated with an increased prevalence of erosion. More 4-6-year-olds with reported symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux had erosion compared with symptom-free children. On multivariate analysis, the strongest independent association with erosion was geography, with children living in the North having twice the odds of having erosion compared with those in London and the South-east.

CONCLUSIONS

Comparing prevalence data from cross-sectional national studies indicates that dental erosion increases between different age cohorts of young people over time. Dietary associations with erosion are present but weak. Similarly, there is an association apparent between erosion, symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux and socio-demographic variables such as region of domicile, social class, and receipt of social benefits.

Retrospective long term monitoring of tooth wear using study models

OBJECTIVE

Tooth wear is recognised as a common feature of European dentitions. However, little is known about its progression in susceptible patients. The aim of this study was to assess the degree and progression of tooth wear in patients by examining study casts taken of their teeth on two separate occasions.

DESIGN

Over 500 sets of study casts taken during an 18-year period from patients referred for a variety of restorative procedures, were examined at Guy's Dental Hospital. Of these, 34 cases were found to have consecutive models taken at two time intervals and these were used to assess the progression of tooth wear. Study models from 19 females and 16 males, with an average age of 26 years (range 18-60) at the time of their first presentation and were all examined by a single operator. The Smith and Knight tooth wear index was used to assess the degree of tooth wear at presentation and then at another time which was a median of 26 months (interquartile range 14 - 50 months) later.

RESULTS

The most common initial TWI score per surface was 1, with 54% of surfaces affected at the first assessment and 57% at the second. Score 2 was less common (14% at both assessments) and the scores for 3 and 4 combined were relatively uncommon with 5% of surfaces effected. Minimal progression of tooth wear was observed on study casts with only 7.3% of surfaces involved.

CONCLUSION

In this sample, tooth wear was a slow, minimally progressive process.

Dental erosion in a group of British 14-year-old, school children. Part III: Influence of oral hygiene practises

OBJECTIVES

The aims of this study were firstly to describe the dental history and oral hygiene practises in a cluster random sample of 14-year-old children in Birmingham, UK. The second aim was to determine whether the oral hygiene practises are associated with dental erosion.

METHOD

A total of 418, 14-year-old schoolchildren from a cluster random sample in Birmingham, UK were assessed for dental erosion (209 males and 209 females). Data on the dental history and oral hygiene practises were obtained from a self-reported questionnaire supplemented by a structured interview. The data were analysed using SPSS with Mann-Whitney U analyses and odds ratios.

RESULTS

74% of the teenagers claimed to attend the dentist on a six-monthly basis; 60% brushed their teeth twice a day ie before breakfast and last thing at night, 25% once a day, 12% three times or more a day and 3% less than once a day. It was a so found that 28% of the children brushed their teeth after meals; 92% of the children used a manual toothbrush and 56% of them replaced their toothbrush every three-months. The most common technique used by the children was a circular brushing movement; 44% of them used a mouthwash and 40% used other interdental cleaning. Girls brushed their teeth more frequently than boys. Associations were found between dental erosion and brushing teeth last thing at night, after meals, techniques of brushing teeth, and type of toothbrush and frequency of brushing. It was concluded that reported oral hygiene practises in teenage schoolchildren in Birmingham, UK complied with generally recommended guidelines. However, there was an association between dental erosion and some of these oral hygiene practises. Advice concerning the impact of some oral hygiene procedures needs to be given to those who are susceptible to dental erosion.

Is there a relationship between asthma and dental erosion? A case control study

OBJECTIVES

The aims of this study were firstly to assess and compare the prevalence of dental erosion and dietary intake between three groups of children; children with asthma, those with significant tooth erosion but with no history of asthma, and children with no history of asthma or other medical problems. Secondly, to discover whether there was a relationship between medical history and dietary practises of these children and the levels of dental erosion. Thirdly, to measure and compare their salivary flow rates, pH and buffering capacity.

METHODS

The study consisted of 3 groups of children aged 11-18 years attending Birmingham Dental Hospital: 20 children with asthma requiring long-term medication, 20 children referred with dental erosion, and 20 children in the age and sex matched control group. Tooth wear was recorded using a modification of the tooth wear index (TWI) of Smith and Knight. Data on the medical and dietary history were obtained from a self-reported questionnaire supplemented by a structured interview. The salivary samples were collected under standard methods for measurements.

RESULTS

Fifty percent of the children in the control group had low erosion and 50% moderate erosion. However, high levels were recorded in 35% of children in the asthma group and 65% in the erosion group. There appeared to be no overall differences in diet between the groups. There was an association between dental erosion and the consumption of soft drinks, carbonated beverages and fresh fruits in all the three groups. More variables related to erosion were found in the erosion and asthma groups. A comparison between the three groups showed no significant differences in unstimulated and stimulated salivary flow rates, or pH and buffering capacity.

CONCLUSION

There were significant differences in the prevalence of erosion between the three groups, children with asthma having a higher prevalence than the control group. Although there was a relationship between the levels of erosion and some medical history and acidic dietary components, these did not explain the higher levels in asthmatic children. Further investigation is required into the factors affecting the increased prevalence of erosion in children with asthma.

Tooth surface pH during drinking of black tea

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the composition of black tea in terms of its erosive potential. To determine the pH profile at the palatal surface of anterior and posterior sites of the dentition after drinking black tea.

METHODS

Tea solution was analysed for its pH and anion composition to provide information on its acid content. A group of ten healthy subjects, aged 21-23 years were monitored for tooth surface pH on the palatal aspects of the maxillary anterior dentition and the maxillary molar dentition after drinking tea using a micro-pH electrode mounted on a vinyl splint.

RESULTS

The pH of the tea solution was 4.9 and the major anions detected were oxalate and citrate. Tooth surface pH monitoring indicated that only small decreases in pH of less than 1 pH unit were observed after drinking tea and the minimum mean pH reached was 5.45. Maximum decrease in pH was observed after 20-25 seconds and resting pH levels were restored within approximately 2 minutes after drinking.

CONCLUSION

The pH and anion profile of black tea are indicative of low acid composition. The very small pH decreases observed at the tooth surface after drinking tea indicate that it may be safely recommended as a substitute for more acidic drinks as a part of preventive measures for dental erosion.