Prevalence and risk indicators of erosion in thirteen-to fourteen-year-olds on the Isle of Man

Abstract

Background/Aims: The aim was to determine the prevalence of erosion in 13-14 year-old children on the Isle of Man and to investigate the strength of association with dietary risk factors. Methods: Exposed dentine was assessed on smooth surfaces of incisors/canines and occlusal surfaces of first molars. A questionnaire assessed consumption frequency of foodstuffs. Results: Of 629 children examined, 124 (20%) had dentine exposed labially, palatally or occlusally. More males had dentine exposed on these surfaces (OR=1.7, 95% CI 1.2 to 2.6). Palatal dentine exposure was present in 3% of children, and occlusal dentine exposure in 18%. In bivariate analyses, drinking fizzy drinks more than once a day was associated with erosion (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.1 to 2.3). Mean DMFT scores were not statistically different for children with smooth surface/occlusally exposed dentine (1.37) compared to those without (1.58). Multiple regression analysis showed age, gender and toothbrushing to be significant predictors of erosion. Conclusion: This study has found a higher proportion of 13-14 year old children with exposed dentine in molars than previous studies. The results corroborate previous reports that males have more erosion than females.