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 are 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 erosive tooth wear (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
Source: Caries Research - Category: Dentistry Source Type: research