Association of erosive tooth wear and dental caries in Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 - an epidemiological cross-sectional study

Silver diamine fluoride in preventing enamel erosion: An in vitro study with salivary pellicle

OBJECTIVES

To compare the prevention of enamel erosion and discolouring effect with a single and two weekly topical applications of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) solution.

METHODS

Human enamel blocks were divided into four groups. Group 1 (SDF2) received two weekly applications of SDF solution (Advantage Arrest: 260,000 ppm Ag, 44,300 ppm F, pH 9.1). Group 2 (SDF1) received a single application of SDF solution. Group 3 (SNF, Positive Control) received daily application of stannous-chloride/amine-fluoride/sodium-fluoride solution (Elmex® Enamel professional: 800 ppm Sn(II), 500 ppm F, pH 4.5). Group 4 (DW, Negative Control) received daily application of deionised water. The treated blocks were subjected to a 14-day erosive challenge. Crystal characteristics, elemental composition, surface morphology, percentage of surface microhardness loss (%SMHL), surface loss, and total colour change (ΔE) of the blocks were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive spectrometry (EDS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Vickers' hardness testing, non-contact profilometry, and digital spectrophotometry, respectively.

RESULTS

XRD and EDS revealed precipitates of silver for SDF2 and SDF1 and tin for SNF. SEM showed prominent etched enamel pattern on DW than the other three groups. The%SMHL (%) of SDF2, SDF1, SNF, and DW were 26.6 ± 2.9, 33.6 ± 2.8, 38.9 ± 2.9, and 50.5 ± 2.8 (SDF2SDF1=SNF>DW, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Two weekly applications was more effective than a single application of SDF in preventing enamel erosion, though it caused more discolouration.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Topical application of 38 % SDF with two weekly applications protocol is effective in preventing enamel erosion.

Prevalence of erosive tooth wear and associated risk factors in Colombian adolescents

Accurate determination of the prevalence of erosive tooth wear (ETW) and associated risk factors in adolescents can inform clinical management guidelines. The aim of this analytical cross-sectional study was to estimate the prevalence, severity, and risk factors of ETW in adolescents aged 12-15 years in the municipality of Usaquén in Bogotá, Colombia. Two calibrated examiners clinically assessed ETW using Basic Erosive Wear Examination (BEWE) Index (range: 0-3). All tooth surfaces (excluding proximal) were scored to allow estimation of the Highest (0-3) and Total BEWE (sum of Highest BEWE score per sextant: 0-18) scores per patient. Sociodemographic characteristics, ETW risk factors, and caries severity (ICDAS-epi-merged) were evaluated, and their association with the presence of ETW (indicated by a Highest BEWE score of 2-3) was examined using preliminary analyses and logistic regression models. The study sample included 454 adolescents (mean age: 13.5±1.1 years; female: 61.7%), and the prevalence of ETW was 71.6%. The majority of participants exhibited a Highest BEWE score of 3 (58.0%) and a Total BEWE score ≤8 (84.3%). The preliminary analysis showed an association between the presence of ETW and age, caries, and brushing teeth before eating (p-value < 0.05). Risk factors for ETW included always brushing teeth before eating [adjusted Prevalence Ratio (PRa) 1.31, p-value=0.014], presence of extensive carious lesions (PRa 1.23, p-value = 0.024), male gender (PRa 1.14, p-value = 0.028), and age > 14 years (PRa 1.17, p-value = 0.009). Although ETW was highly prevalent, most Colombian adolescents exhibited low Total BEWE scores. ETW was associated with frequent fruit intake, age, toothbrushing habits, caries lesions, and sex.

High Anticholinergic Burden and Dental Caries: Findings from Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966

INTRODUCTION

Anticholinergic drugs propose a threat for oral health by causing dry mouth. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate whether a high anticholinergic burden was associated with the presence of initial caries lesions, manifested caries lesions, dental fillings, or tooth loss among 46-y-old people.

METHODS

The study population consisted of 1,906 participants from the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 who underwent an oral health examination in 2012-2013. Socioeconomic and medical data were collected from questionnaires, medical records, and national registers. Nine previously published anticholinergic scales were combined and used to measure the high anticholinergic burden from the participants' medication data. Cariological status was determined according to the International Caries Detection and Assessment System, and the number of missing teeth (excluding third molars) was used as an indicator for tooth loss. The decayed, missing, and filled surfaces index was used to depict caries experience. Negative binominal regression models were used to estimate prevalence rate ratios (PRRs) and confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

Fourteen percent of the participants (n = 276) used at least 1 anticholinergic drug and about 3% had a high anticholinergic burden (n = 61). After adjusting for confounding factors, participants with a high anticholinergic burden had a higher likelihood of having manifested carious lesions needing restorative treatment (PRR, 1.60; CI, 1.11-2.29) and more missing teeth (PRR, 1.59; CI, 1.13-2.24) when compared to participants without any or with a lower anticholinergic burden.

CONCLUSIONS

High anticholinergic burden was associated with a present caries experience and with tooth loss among the general middle-aged population.

KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER STATEMENT

The findings of this study suggest that middle-aged patients with a high anticholinergic burden may have a heightened risk of dental caries. These patients may benefit from targeted caries preventive regimes.

Detection of Erosive Changes on Smooth Surfaces with and without Orthodontic Brackets Using an Intraoral Scanner-An In Vitro Study

BACKGROUND

Consumption of acidic beverages favours development of erosions. Modern diagnostic methods are required to detect erosions at an early stage. This study aimed to evaluate the suitability of an intraoral scanner (IOS) for detection of erosive changes on smooth surfaces adjacent to orthodontic brackets.

METHODS

Orthodontic metal brackets were attached to the buccal surfaces of 58 extracted permanent human teeth. Teeth were randomly divided into groups: A = 6% citric acid, B = Coca-Cola, C = Redbull, D = Powerade, E = Control, no acid exposure. Teeth were exposed to acid in three erosion cycles, followed by rinsing and brushing. Scans of teeth were performed at baseline and after each erosion cycle and enamel loss was measured. Quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF) measurements were performed as reference standard.

RESULTS

Significant substance loss was measured in all acid groups after the second and third erosion cycle (p < 0.0001). Correlation between scans and QLF were significant (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

With IOS, it was possible to detect and quantify enamel erosion at smooth surfaces with and without orthodontic brackets after a short exposure time. Considering the limitations of in vitro results, the use of IOS can be a promising digital tool to detect and monitor erosive enamel changes during fixed orthodontic treatment.

The relation of temporomandibular disorders with oral health-related quality of life in the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the association between temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in an adult population.

METHODS

The data included 1,768 adults 46 years of age in the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 (NFBC1966) study. The symptoms, signs and diagnoses of TMD were assessed using a modified protocol of the Diagnostic Criteria for TMD (DC/TMD) and validated questionnaires. OHRQoL was measured using the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14). Associations of TMD and OHRQoL were evaluated with χ2 -test and Fisher's exact test.

RESULTS

In females, pain-related TMD signs and diagnoses associated significantly with prevalence of OHIP total and all dimensions, whereas in joint-related TMD, psychological dimensions showed the strongest association. Males with pain- or joint-related TMD, the most impaired dimension was physical pain.

CONCLUSION

Pain-related TMD seems to associate more strongly with lower OHRQoL than joint-related TMD especially in females.

Prevalence of Erosive Tooth Wear and Associated Dietary Factors among a Group of Finnish Adolescents

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and severity of erosive tooth wear (ETW) among Finnish adolescents and to evaluate how frequency as well as amount of the use of erosive products is associated with ETW. The study population consisted of 328 voluntary, >15-year-old secondary school students (males 49.1%, females 50.9%) in three municipalities in Finland. Clinical examination to measure ETW (BEWE index) was carried out by trained and calibrated dentists. Piloted questionnaires included questions on consumption of drinks, fruits and berries, as well as tooth brushing frequency. Means and medians of frequencies and amounts of consumed erosive products were calculated and associations with ETW severity were analysed by logistic regression models. One-third (36.9%) of the participants were in need of at least preventive measures for ETW (BEWE sum score ≥3), but severe ETW (BEWE sum score >9) was rare (2.1%). Boys had severe ETW significantly more frequently than girls (p < 0.001). Habitual consumption of erosive drinks was common especially among boys compared to girls (p = 0.001). ETW was significantly associated with the amount of consumed erosive drinks, fruits, or berries. The prevalence of ETW among adolescences in Finland seems to be at the same level as in other Nordic and European countries. Consumption of erosive products is common and thus, the risk for tooth erosion is high, especially in boys. In addition to erosive drinks, also berries and fruits are associated with ETW and should be included in individual dietary counselling when early signs of ETW are clinically detected.

Prevalence of tooth wear and associated factors: A birth cohort study

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the prevalence of tooth wear and associated factors in adults from the 1982 Pelotas Birth Cohort.

METHODS

A subsample of the 5,914 individuals from the 1982 Pelotas Birth Cohort was randomly selected to be interviewed and clinically examined at the age of 31. Tooth wear was evaluated using a simplified version of the Tooth Wear Index (TWI), considering the absence or presence of tooth wear in dentin of first molars and anterior teeth (incisors and canines). Independent variables were socioeconomic, demographic, unhealthy behavior, and mental health. Crude and adjusted Poisson regression models were employed. A significant level of P ≤ 0.05 was adopted.

RESULTS

A total of 537 individuals were evaluated. A tooth wear prevalence of 61.6% was observed. Females presented a statistically significant lower tooth wear in dentin prevalence ratio (PR) compared to males in the adjusted analysis (PR 0.76; 95% CI: 0.67-0.86). Acid beverage consumption (PR 1.22; 95% CI: 1.01-1.49) and consumption of alcoholic beverages (PR 1.19; 95% CI: 1.04-1.35) were positively associated with tooth wear.

CONCLUSION

Almost 2/3 of the surveyed individuals presented tooth wear in dentin. Being a male, higher consumption of alcohol and acidic beverages were factors associated with tooth wear.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

There was a high prevalence of tooth wear in dentin in the adult population. Data has also shown the etiological complexity of tooth wear, reinforcing the importance of an early diagnosis and the establishment of preventive measures to decrease the potentially hazardous effect of tooth wear over time.

Caries Experience and Erosive Tooth Wear in Finnish Men Conscripts 2021: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

In Finland, the development of oral health in young, 19- to 21-year-old males regarding restorative treatment need seems to have slowed down according to cross-sectional conscript studies between 1976 and 2011. At the individual level, the mean number of decayed teeth (DT > 0) has also steadily continued to decline. In Finland, military service is mandatory, and around 85% of males complete it. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the oral health status of young men at the beginning of the 2020s.

METHODS

The data were collected in July 2021 in the eight biggest Finnish Defence force garrisons by ten calibrated dentists serving in the ranks. The inclusion criteria for this study were a year of birth between 2000 and 2002 and male gender (n = 508). Third molars were included. Restorative treatment need was evaluated using ICDAS scoring. The study was designed according to the STROBE guidelines.

RESULTS

Mean DT value was 1.13 when third molars were included and 1.03 when they were excluded. Mean DMFT value was 3.23 and 2.98, respectively. The proportion of conscripts with DT > 0 was 36.4% and 34.8%, respectively. The prevalence of caries was concentrated among a small number of conscripts. Most (76.6%) had BEWE (basic erosive wear examination) of 0–2. Conscripts in the moderate and severe ETW (erosive tooth wear) groups (BEWE 3-13) comprised 23.5% of the cohort. None of the conscripts fell into the most severe group (BEWE 14-18).

CONCLUSIONS

The oral health of conscripts has improved over the last ten years, and restorative treatment need has decreased significantly. Compared to previous studies, restorative treatment need was concentrated on an even smaller proportion of conscripts.

Prevalence and risk factors of erosive tooth wear among young adults in the Singapore military

OBJECTIVES

Erosive tooth wear (ETW) is defined as the irreversible chemo-mechanical loss of dental hard tissues without plaque or bacteria and has been a growing phenomenon in the general population worldwide. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of ETW and the associated risk factors among young military personnel in Singapore.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This cross-sectional study consisted of a questionnaire and clinical examination of military personnel between 18 and 25 years. The questionnaire collected information on demographics, medical and dental history, lifestyle and dietary habits. Tooth wear was clinically evaluated using the Basic Erosive Wear Examination (BEWE) index. The participants were profiled into four risk categories (none, low, moderate, severe) based on the sum score. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the risk factors associated with the presence of ETW.

RESULTS

Out of 1296 participants evaluated, 21.8% of them had ETW. The anterior sextants were more affected by erosion than posterior sextants for both arches. The risk factors significantly associated with ETW were GERD (OR = 2.83, p = 0.041), presence of self-reported TMD symptoms (OR = 2.51, p < 0.001), acidic food (OR = 2.03, p < 0.001) and drinks (OR = 3.07, p < 0.001), high caries risk (OR = 4.59, p < 0.001) and toothbrush stiffness (OR = 4.67, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

ETW is prevalent among the young military population, with over half of the population at a risk of ETW. Gastric reflux disease, TMD, acidic diet, dental caries susceptibility and the use of stiff toothbrushes were identified as significant risk factors.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

A large proportion of young military personnel exhibited mild to moderate risk of ETW. Dental professionals can identify risk-susceptible individuals at a young age and educated them with preventive measures and dietary interventions to prevent the progression of the condition.

Tooth wear and socioeconomic status in childhood and adulthood: Findings from a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the association and level of evidence between socioeconomic status (SES) and tooth wear (TW) in children, adolescents, and adults.

DATA

Eligibility criteria comprised population-based observational studies assessing the association between SES and TW in permanent dentition of adolescents and adults. Interventional and descriptive studies or those without an internal comparison between exposed and nonexposed groups were excluded. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were applied where applicable. Risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Meta-analyses were conducted to estimate the pooled effect measures. Q-statistic, I²statistic, subgroup and sensitivity analyses assessed study heterogeneity.

SOURCES

PubMed/Medline, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS, SciELO, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases were searched for articles published in English between 1st January 1980 and 31st March 2021.

RESULTS

Sixty-five studies were included, involving 63,893 participants in over 30 countries. A positive association was found between TW and education (OR=1.25 [0.96; 1.62]), family income (OR=1.18 [0.91; 1.53]), and private school (OR= 1.24 [0.90; 1.72]) among adolescents. Higher educated adults had a lower risk for TW (OR=0.70 [0.52; 0.93]). Most included studies had a moderate RoB. Limitations relating to population representation and assessment methodologies were identified in the included studies.

CONCLUSIONS

SES was associated with TW with its direction depending on the individuals' age. The overall quality of evidence was moderate.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANC

SES should be included as part of the routine screening and risk assessment for tooth wear.

Malocclusion severity and its associations with oral health-related quality of life in an adult population

AIM

The aim of this study was to investigate malocclusion severity and its associations with oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among middle-aged adults.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study material consisted of 1786 subjects from the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 who attended dental and oral examination as part of the 46-year-old follow-up study. Malocclusion severity was assessed using the Dental Health Component (DHC) of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) and the Peer Assessment Rating index (PAR) from digital 3D dental models. Participants also answered a questionnaire including the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) and a question on their satisfaction with occlusal function. Differences between malocclusion severity groups were evaluated for both genders separately. For adjusted models, multivariate Poisson regression models were conducted.

RESULTS

In this study population, 31.3% had great or very great orthodontic treatment need according to DHC and the mean PAR total score was 22.05. The most severe malocclusions were associated with OHRQoL, especially the psychosocial and handicap dimensions, and satisfaction with occlusal function. There was a significant difference between genders, men having more severe malocclusion but women reporting more OHRQoL impacts.

CONCLUSION

One third of the study population were considered to have severe malocclusion. There was an association between malocclusion severity and OHRQoL in adult population, particularly in women.

Resistance against Erosive Challenge of Dental Enamel Treated with 1,450-PPM Fluoride Toothpastes Containing Different Biomimetic Compounds

OBJECTIVES

 This in vitro study aimed to characterize the superficial and subsurface morphology of dental enamel treated with fluoridated gels containing different biomimetic compounds after erosive challenge.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Bovine incisor teeth were sectioned to obtain enamel blocks (4 mm × 4 mm × 6 mm; n = 5) that were demineralized to create an artificial caries lesion and treated by pH cycling interspersed with exposure to fluoridated toothpaste slurries under agitation. During pH cycling (demineralization and remineralization for 2 and 22 hours, respectively) for 6 days, the enamel blocks were exposed to toothpaste slurries under agitation with one of the dental gels: Regenerate Enamel Science (NR-5 technology), Daily Regenerator Dental Clean (REFIX technology), and Sensodyne Repair & Protect (Novamin technology). The enamel blocks were subjected to an erosive challenge, immersed in 50% citric acid for 2 minutes, and then washed with plenty of distilled water. The surface and cross-sectional micromorphology were assessed using scanning electron microscope (SEM). The elemental analyses (weight percentage) were determined with an energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS).

RESULTS

 Enamel treated with the product containing REFIX technology presented a smoother surface morphology compared to the other treatments. The higher resistance to the erosive challenge can be attributed to a silicon-enriched mineral layer formed on the enamel induced by the REFIX-based toothpaste. This was not observed in the specimens treated with the other technology-containing toothpastes.

CONCLUSION

 The REFIX technology seemed to be the most promising compared to the Novamin and NR-5 technologies. In addition to forming a surface mineralized layer, the enamel treated with REFIX technology associated with the pH cycling resisted a subsequent erosive challenge.

A systematic review of dietary acids and habits on dental erosion in adolescents

BACKGROUND

Dental erosion is the dissolution of dental hard tissues caused by acids of a non-bacterial origin. Dietary acids are considered the predominant and most controllable factor.

AIM

To synthesise the literature on the effects of dietary acids and habits on dental erosion in the permanent dentition of 10- to 19-year-old adolescents.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An electronic literature search was undertaken in Cochrane, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Dentistry & Oral Sciences Source via EBSCOhost, and Embase with no restriction on the date of publication.

RESULTS

The initial search identified 449 articles, and 338 remained after removal of duplicates. Seventy-seven articles remained after screening of titles and abstracts, and 52 were eligible for the full-text review. A considerable variety of beverages, food, and dietary habits were reported as risk factors for dental erosion. The most consistent findings implicated the erosive potential of carbonated beverages and the consumption of acidic drinks at bedtime.

CONCLUSIONS

Although results were not consistent between cohort and cross-sectional studies, this review suggests certain dietary risk factors may contribute to dental erosion in adolescents. There is a need for more high-quality cohort studies to establish more conclusive evidence on the role of dietary acids and habits on dental erosion.

Consumption of acidic drinks, knowledge and concern about dental erosive wear in Norwegian high school students

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of the present study were to assess the consumption of acidic beverages, knowledge and concern about preventing dental erosive wear, and to examine potential associations between these variables, in a sample of high school students.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A survey measuring acidic beverage consumption, knowledge and concern about erosive tooth wear was conducted at 13 high schools in Rogaland county, Norway.

RESULTS

Of the 850 students who completed the questionnaire, 26% reported that they drink acidic beverages every day. There were significant gender differences for the consumption of acidic drinks. The survey also demonstrated that a high proportion of students lacks basic knowledge of what erosive tooth wear is, and that this lack of knowledge is associated with a more frequent intake of acidic beverages. However, students who responded that they are concerned about preventing dental erosive wear reported that they drink soft drinks and energy drinks less frequently than students who are not concerned about this.

CONCLUSIONS

Results from this study support assumptions about a lack of knowledge about dental erosive wear in youth, and that this lack of knowledge is associated with a more frequent intake of acidic drinks.

Erosive Tooth Wear among Adults in Lithuania: A Cross-Sectional National Oral Health Study

INTRODUCTION

Erosive tooth wear has a multifactorial origin, where multiple risks contribute to its initiation and subsequent progression. The prevalence of tooth wear varies among countries; therefore, national studies are needed to examine the prevalence of this condition and its associated determinants.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A sample of this national study included a total of 1,397 adults (response rate of 52%). Severity and number of teeth with erosive tooth wear, caries experience (D3MFS), and fluorosis were assessed clinically. A self-reported questionnaire inquired about sociodemographics, oral health behavior, diet, and general health. Fluoride levels in drinking water at the recruitment areas were also recorded. Data were analyzed by bivariate and multivariate methods.

RESULTS

The prevalence of erosive tooth wear in enamel and dentin combined was 59% among 35- to 44-year-old, 75% among 45- to 54-year-old, 70% among 55- to 64-year-old, and 66% among 65- to 74-year-old males. The prevalence among females in the respective age groups was 44, 60, 63, and 59%. Erosive tooth wear in enamel was associated with a lower fluoride level (≤1 ppm) in the drinking water (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.1-4.2). Erosive tooth wear in dentin was positively associated with male gender (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.1-2.5), periurban/rural residency (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.1-2.4), older age (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.3-1.9), presence of reflux (OR 3.3, 95% CI 1.0-10.9), and negatively with higher D3MFS scores (OR 0.7, 95% CI 0.5-0.9).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of erosive tooth wear in enamel and dentin was relatively high in Lithuania; the erosive tooth wear in enamel and dentin combined was 52% among 35- to 44-year-olds, 68% among 45- to 54-year-olds, 67% among 55- to 64-year-olds, and 63% among 65- to 74-year-olds. Lower fluoride level in drinking water was associated with erosive tooth wear in enamel. Male gender, residency in periurban/rural areas, older age, and presence of acid reflux were associated with higher odds, while higher D3MFS scores were associated with lower odds for erosive tooth wear in dentin. These results can be used to plan dental public health prevention.

Gender-specific associations of malocclusion traits with oral health-related quality of life in a Finnish adult population

AIM

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate gender-specific associations of different malocclusion traits with oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among Finnish adults.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study material comprised 1885 subjects from the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966. A clinical oral examination including registration of occlusion was carried out in connection with a 46-year follow-up examination. The 14-item Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) was used to measure OHRQoL. Subgroups with increased/decreased overjet, deep bite, open bite, lateral crossbite, and scissor bite were selected for further analysis. Subjects with normal occlusion were selected to form the normal occlusion group. Differences between subgroups and the normal occlusion group were evaluated for both genders separately. Education, number of teeth, caries, and orthodontic treatment history were chosen as confounding variables. Multivariate Poisson regression analyses were conducted to assess the effect of independent variables on OHRQoL.

RESULTS

After adjustments, decreased overjet, open bite, and scissor bite were associated with higher OHIP severity in women (P < 0.01). In men, deep bite was associated with higher OHIP severity (P = 0.007). Different malocclusion traits had associations with some OHIP dimension either in men or women. Orthodontic treatment history had a positive effect on OHRQoL in both genders.

CONCLUSION

The associations of malocclusion traits with OHRQoL differed between genders, with women reporting more impacts. Deviations from normal occlusion were generally found to have a negative impact on OHRQoL, but most of the adults with malocclusion seem to adapt to their condition.

Prevalence of erosive tooth wear in Chilean adults, 2016: A cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

To determine the prevalence, severity and distribution of erosive tooth wear lesions in adult patients at the Universidad de los Andes Health Center in the San Bernardo Metropolitan Region, Chile, during a period of 4 months in 2016.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted. A consecutive sample of patients from 18 to 46 years old who were receiving care at the Universidad de los Andes Health Center during a period from September 2016 to January 2017 was analysed. Basic erosive wear examinations (BEWEs) were performed by two calibrated examiners.

RESULTS

A total of 535 adults were included in this study. An erosive tooth wear prevalence of 97.9% was found in which at least one surface had a BEWE score of 2 or 3 as the highest score (98.56% for females and 95.8% for males). In the sample, 75.70% and 74.77% of individuals had at least one surface with a BEWE score of 3 at the second and fifth sextant, respectively. The median of cumulative BEWE scores was 12. The median by individual of the affected percentage of tooth surfaces with BEWE scores 2 or 3 was 19.70%.

CONCLUSIONS

We found a high prevalence of erosive tooth wear, mainly in the anterior group of teeth. No differences were found between the sexes, but a positive correlation with age was found. The percentage of surfaces affected was low or moderate.

Tooth wear among five-year-old children in Jakarta, Indonesia

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of tooth wear among preschool children in Jakarta, Indonesia, and examine the risk factors associated with its occurrence.

Methods

An epidemiological survey was conducted with a cross-sectional study design. The participants were recruited via cluster sampling. Tooth wear was clinically assessed by one examiner using the Basic Erosive Wear Examination (BEWE) criteria. The children’s caries experience was also recorded. The parents of the participating children completed a self-administered questionnaire to answer demographic questions about the children and gather information about the children’s diet and oral health behaviors as well as the parents’ dental health-related knowledge. The data were analyzed using the Chi-square test and binary logistic regression.

Results

A total of 752 five-year-old children were invited to participate, with 691 (92%) enrolling in the study. Tooth wear occurred in 23% (161/691, BEWE > 0) of the participants, in which 78% (125/161) had at least one moderate tooth wear status (BEWE = 2). The consumption of citrus drinks, fruit juice, and vitamin C supplement drinks, together with the child’s caries experience, the father’s education level, and the family’s socioeconomic status, were significantly associated with tooth wear.

Conclusions

The five-year-old preschool children in Jakarta had a relatively low prevalence of tooth wear. Those consuming more acidic drinks, those with a higher socioeconomic status, and those with an absence of caries experience had a higher risk of tooth wear.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12903-019-0883-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Erosive tooth wear and use of psychoactive substances among Finnish prisoners

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence and severity of erosive tooth wear (ETW) and its association with dental caries and the use of psychoactive substances among Finnish prisoners.

METHODS

One hundred voluntary prisoners (90.9%) from the Pelso Prison participated in this cross-sectional clinical study between September 2014 and February 2015. Fifty prisoners were also interviewed using the one-on-one interviewing technique for their background factors and use of psychoactive substances. Basic Erosive Index (BEWE) (0-18) was used to measure erosive tooth wear. Decayed (D), missing (M), filled (F) and the number of remaining teeth (T) and DMFT were reported. The association between the different variables was tested and analysed by using cross tabulation. To test the association between the variables a logistic regression analysis was conducted.

RESULTS

Almost all (90%) of the subjects had need for preventive and operative treatment for ETW. In addition, one in five (19%) suffered from severe erosive tooth wear. The use of psychoactive substances and pharmaceuticals is common, yet no association with ETW was found. Smoking and alcohol consumption were more common among younger prisoners than the older ones. There is an increased risk for ETW among older prisoners and major alcohol consumers. Past caries experience was associated with dental erosion.

CONCLUSIONS

Erosive tooth wear is common among Finnish prisoners in their thirties. ETW is associated with dental caries and daily alcohol consumption.

Association of Enamel Caries Lesions with Oral Hygiene and DMFT among Adults

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of enamel caries lesions and their association with tooth brushing frequency, tooth brushing quality, and past caries experience among Finnish adults. The study population comprised 46-year-old members of the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 (n = 1,961). Caries lesions were examined and recorded at surface level using the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS). The cut-off point for enamel caries was set to ICDAS score 3. The cut-off point for brushing frequency was twice daily. Visible plaque on buccal tooth surfaces represented brushing quality. Using enamel caries lesions (ICDAS1-3) as a dependent variable, an adjusted logistic regression model was conducted to investigate the association with gender, brushing frequency, visible plaque, dentin caries lesions (ICDAS4-6), teeth with restorations, extractions and fractures. Almost all participants (99%) had enamel and 40% had dentin caries lesions; the mean number of teeth with enamel caries lesions was 13.8 (SD 4.6). According to the adjusted logistic regression model, the high prevalence of ICDAS1-3 lesions was associated with having visible plaque on more than 20% of teeth and having more than 13 restored teeth. In conclusion, the prevalence of enamel caries lesions is high among the Finnish adult population. The results of this study suggest that in addition to tooth brushing frequency, the presence of visible plaque seems to be critical when evaluating the association between tooth brushing and enamel caries.

Erosive tooth Wear in special Olympic athletes with intellectual disabilities

Background

Special Olympics (SO) events represent an opportunity to obtain considerable information regarding intellectual disable (ID) patients. Studies done with SO data have shown an overview of the oral health status of these athletes; however, no information exists regarding the erosive tooth wear (ETW). Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the presence and severity of ETW in athletes with ID who participated in the SO Belgium 2016.

Methods

The study population consisted in 232 athletes with ID who participated in the SO special smiles program, Belgium 2016. For analysis, the sample was divided in three groups: a) athletes with ID under the age of 25 not diagnosed with Down Syndrome (DS) (n = 174), b) athletes with DS under the age of 25 (n = 39) and c) athletes with DS from 25 and older ages (n = 58). Two calibrated dentists performed dental examinations using the Basic Erosive Wear Examination Index (BEWE). The BEWE sum > 0 was used to determine prevalence of ETW. Severity was determined by two- indicators: 1) By risk levels (low, medium and high risk) proposed by the BEWE index, and 2) by the highest score reached per subject in at least one tooth (BEWE1, 2 or 3). Chi-square test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to detect significant differences among different groups (p < 0.05).

Results

The prevalence of ETW for young athletes with ID was 51.14%. Within these athletes, the DS group presented a significant higher mean BEWE sum (4.67, SD 5.64) and prevalence of ETW (69.2%BEWE> 0) when compared to athletes without DS (mean BEWE sum: 1.96, SD 3.47 and 46.3% BEWE> 0; p < 0.05). Furthermore, a significantly higher percentage of athletes with DS were considered at high risk of ETW (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

As a conclusion, half of the young athletes with ID presented at least one affected surface with ETW. The recorded prevalence and severity of ETW for the younger group of athletes with DS was distinctly higher than the athletes with ID not having DS. This shows the need to generate knowledge in order to provide correct management and prevention of erosive tooth wear in populations with ID.

Validity of self-reported number of teeth in middle-aged Finnish adults: the Northern Finland Birth Cohort Study 1966

Background

We examined the validity of self-reported number of teeth in middle-aged adults by using representative cohort data to compare corresponding self-reported and clinical values.

Methods

This validity study is part of the representative 46-year-old follow-up of the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 (NFBC1966) Study. Mailed questionnaires (n = 5950) requested information on self-reported number of teeth and background variables (education, tooth brushing and smoking), while clinical oral health examinations (n = 1891) assessed the number of teeth (the ‘gold standard’). The main analyses compared the self-reported and clinical values for the number of teeth in 1669 participants. Scatterplot and Bland-Altman plot served for visual analyses, and alternative correlation coefficients (Pearson, Spearman, intraclass) for numerical comparisons separately for men and women, with stratification according to background variables.

Results

The clinical assessment revealed that the mean value for the number of teeth was 27.46 (SD = 2.38), while the corresponding value based on self-reported information was 27.48 (SD = 2.78). According to the Bland-Altman plot, the mean difference between the clinical and self-reported values was − 0.02 (95% limits of agreement, LoA: − 3.37 to 3.32). The observed ranges of intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) among men and women were 0.72 to 0.95 and 0.72 to 0.85, respectively, depending on the background variables.

Conclusions

Self-reported number of teeth in middle-aged Finnish adults agreed closely with the corresponding clinical measure.

Opinions and Treatment Decisions for Dental Erosive Wear: A Questionnaire Survey among Icelandic Dentists

Dental erosive wear (DEW) is common among children and adolescents, and a survey of Icelandic children showed that 30.7% of 15-year-olds were diagnosed with the condition. Objective. To gain knowledge about dental practitioners' experiences, opinions, and treatment decisions. Materials and Methods. A precoded questionnaire, previously used among Norwegian dentists, was sent electronically to all dentists in Iceland (n = 341). Results. The response rate was 64.2%, and 58% of dentists were male. More than half of the clinicians (54%) thought that prevalence had increased the last 10-15 years, and 67% reported it to be more common in male. Most (96%) recorded presence of DEW, but only 4% used a detailed scoring system. Lesions were mostly on occlusal surfaces of first mandibular molars (73%), on palatal in upper anterior teeth (61%), and on occlusal of maxillary first molars (36%). Most dentists (74%) reported a probable cause, e.g., high consumption of carbonated beverages (98%), acidic juices (68%), sport drinks (58%), reflux (54%), and eating disorders (20%). Dietary history was often recorded by 38%, and 65% never measured saliva. Most of the dentists (88%) treated patients themselves, and half of them preferred prevention with high fluoride and resin sealants. While some dentists wanted to restore teeth more invasively, most considered to restore with a filling. Conclusion. Icelandic dentists seem to be well educated for diagnosis and treatment of dental erosion, and dentists are aware of a minimally invasive approach. Clinical Significance. It is challenging for dentists to make the best treatment decision for patients with DEW, both in a short perspective and long perspective. At present, little is known about their knowledge and treatment approach, and there is no standard treatment which can be recommended. Therefore, the present study investigated dental practitioners' treatment decisions, as well as knowledge, experiences, and awareness of DEW.

Caries reporting in studies that used the International Caries Detection and Assessment System: A scoping review

OBJECTIVE

To explore how caries was reported in studies that employed the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS).

METHODS

A systematic database search up to August 2017 was carried out using PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, Cochrane library and ISI Web of Science electronic databases. Only studies that used the ICDAS for dental caries examinations were included. Studies were excluded if the examination was done only for the validation or the calibration of the ICDAS and/or if the examination was not done for the whole dentition. Measures used to report caries were considered.

RESULTS

A total of 126 papers met the inclusion criteria. Forty-four different synthesis measures were used to report caries. Most of the studies used a combination of multiple measures to report patient's caries level. These reporting measures cluster into four main groups: the number of individual ICDAS scores (ie, total counts of every score); the number of decayed surfaces/teeth (ie, total counts of combined caries scores for surfaces or teeth); measures of caries experience (ie, total counts of combined caries scores, filled and/or missing surfaces or teeth); and measures of central tendency and dispersion. The number of decayed surfaces and individual ICDAS scores were the most commonly used measures. Three studies used mean ICDAS score (ie, total ICDAS scores divided by the number of teeth), two used mean ICDAS score of carious teeth (ie, total ICDAS scores divided by the number of carious teeth) and two used the maximum ICDAS score (ie, highest ICDAS score recorded). The total ICDAS score was used only once. Many studies synthesized from the ICDAS the number of decayed, missing and filled teeth/surfaces (dmft/DMFT, dmfs/DMFS) as a measure of caries experience.

CONCLUSIONS

There are variations among studies in the utilization of the system to summarize caries. Most studies presented caries data using the categorical characteristics of the ICDAS.

Genome-Wide Association Study of Erosive Tooth Wear in a Finnish Cohort

Erosive tooth wear is defined as irreversible loss of dental tissues due to intrinsic or extrinsic acids, exacerbated by mechanical forces. Recent studies have suggested a higher prevalence of erosive tooth wear in males, as well as a genetic contribution to susceptibility to erosive tooth wear. Our aim was to examine erosive tooth wear by performing a genome-wide association study (GWAS) in a sample of the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 (n = 1,962). Erosive tooth wear was assessed clinically using the basic erosive wear examination. A GWAS was performed for the whole sample as well as separately for males and females. We identified one genome-wide significant signal (rs11681214) in the GWAS of the whole sample near the genes PXDN and MYT1L. When the sample was stratified by sex, the strongest genome-wide significant signals were observed in or near the genes FGFR1, C8orf86, CDH4, SCD5, F2R, and ING1. Additionally, multiple suggestive association signals were detected in all GWASs performed. Many of the signals were in or near the genes putatively related to oral environment or tooth development, and some were near the regions considered to be associated with dental caries, such as 2p24, 4q21, and 13q33. Replications of these associations in other samples, as well as experimental studies to determine the biological functions of associated genetic variants, are needed.

Monitoring the progression of erosive tooth wear (ETW) using BEWE index in casts and their 3D images: A retrospective longitudinal study

OBJECTIVE

To determine if the Basic erosive tooth wear index (BEWE index) is able to assess and monitor ETW changes in two consecutive cast models, and detect methodological differences when using the corresponding 3D image replicas.

METHODS

A total of 480 pre-treatment and 2-year post-treatment orthodontic models (n = 240 cast models and n = 240 3D image replicas) from 120 adolescents treated between 2002 and 2013 at the Gent Dental Clinic, Belgium, were scored using the BEWE index. For data analysis only posterior sextants were considered, and inter-method differences were evaluated using Wilcoxon Signed Rank test, Kappa values and Mc Nemar tests (p < 0.05). Correlations between methods were determined using Kendall tau correlation test.

RESULTS

Significant changes of ETW were detected between two consecutive models when BEWE index was used to score cast models or their 3D image replicas (p < 0.001). A strong significant correlation (τb: 0.74; p < 0.001) was shown between both methods However, 3D image-BEWE index combination showed a higher probability for detecting initial surface changes, and scored significantly higher than casts (p < 0.001). Incidence and progression of ETW using 3D images was 13.3% (n = 16) and 60.9% (n = 56) respectively, with two subjects developing BEWE = 3 in at least one tooth surface.

CONCLUSIONS

BEWE index is a suitable tool for the scoring of ETW lesions in 3D images and cast. The combination of both digital 3D records and index, can be used for the monitoring of ETW in a longitudinal approach. The higher sensibility of BEWE index when scoring 3D images might improve the early diagnosis of ETW lesions.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The BEWE index combined with digital 3D records of oral conditions might improve the practitioner performance with respect to early diagnosis, monitoring and managing ETW.

General and erosive tooth wear of 16-year-old adolescents in Kuantan, Malaysia: prevalence and association with dental caries

Background

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and severity of general tooth wear (GTW), i.e. tooth wear irrespective of etiology and erosive tooth wear (ETW), i.e. tooth wear predominantly due to erosion; and also to investigate the relationship between ETW and dental caries experience in 16-year-old adolescents in Kuantan, Malaysia.

Methods

A multi-staged cluster sampling method was employed. A total of 598 16-year-old adolescents participated in this study. Participants’ demographic profile was assessed through a self-administered questionnaire. Clinical examinations were carried out under standardized conditions by a single examiner. The level of GTW was recorded using the modified Smith and Knight’s Tooth Wear Index (TWI) whilst ETW were recorded using the Basic Erosive Wear Examination (BEWE) index. This index was developed to record clinical findings and assist in the decision-making process for the management of erosive tooth wear. Dental caries was recorded using the D₃MFT index whereby D₃ denotes obvious dental decay into dentine detected visually.

Results

The prevalence of GTW, ETW and dental caries, i.e. percentage of individuals found to have at least one lesion, was 99.8%, 45.0% and 27.8% respectively. Two thirds of affected teeth with GTW were observed to have a TWI score of 1 whereas almost all of the affected teeth with ETW had a BEWE score of 2. The mean D₃MFT was 0.62 (95% CI 0.50, 0.73) with Decayed (D) teeth being the largest component, mean D₃T was 0.36 (95% CI 0.30, 0.43). There was no significant association between socio-demographic factors and prevalence of ETW. Logistic regression analysis also showed no significant relationship between the prevalence of ETW and D₃MFT (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Almost all adolescents examined had GTW but they were mainly early lesions. However, nearly half were found to have ETW of moderate severity (BEWE score 2). No significant relationship between the occurrence of erosive tooth wear and caries was observed in this population.

The Influence of Behavioural and Sociodemographic Risk Indicators on Erosive Tooth Wear in Flemish Adolescents, Belgium

Although Belgium has recently been ranked as the second highest consumer of soft drinks in Europe, no data on erosive tooth wear (ETW) are currently available. Therefore, the aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine the prevalence and associated risk indicators of ETW in adolescents residing in the region of Flanders, Belgium. Convenience sampling was used to recruit participants from different types of Belgian schools: general and vocational/technical education. Three calibrated dentists performed the dental examinations and a self-reported questionnaire was applied to evaluate risk indicators related with ETW. ETW was classified using the Basic Erosive Wear Examination (BEWE) index, and the overall prevalence was calculated using BEWE sum >0. The Kruskal-Wallis test, the Mann-Whitney U test, and logistic regression analysis were performed to evaluate frequencies and risk associations. From a total of 613 recruited adolescents (mean age: 15.1 years, SD: 0.8), 48.6% presented at least one affected tooth surface by ETW (BEWE sum >0), 14.4% (n = 88) scored BEWE sum >2, and the highest score obtained was BEWE sum = 8. Two predictive variables were found to have an association with ETW: vocational/technical type of education (OR: 1.49; 95% CI: 1.03-2.13) and frequent consumption of soft drinks (OR: 2.08; 95% CI: 1.38-3.14). In conclusion, ETW is a common condition presented with low severity among Flemish adolescents. Additionally, the frequent consumption of soft drinks and being part of a vocational/technical education appear to be risk indicators for ETW in this population. The latter indicates the need for specific orientated oral health promotion programmes for the prevention of ETW in Flemish adolescents.