Prevalence of dental erosion in Pakistani children: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction: Dental erosion has remained a topic of interest for more than a decade and now gripping greater attention with the rise in the number of cases being reported in children and young adults. Prevalence of dental erosion varies in different countries according to their different geographical locations, dietary habits and life styles of their people. However, little is known about the prevalence of tooth erosion in Pakistani children particular regarding the associated risk factors. Aims: This study was designed to explore the prevalence of dental erosion and to determine the associated predictors of dental erosion in school children of Pakistan aged 12 to 14 years.

Methodology: A comparative cross-sectional Analytical study was conducted at a private school of Karachi, Pakistan from April 2016 till March 2017. The subjects were selected on the basis of non-probability convenient sampling. Children aged 12-14 years were included for this study and children having frequent hospitalizations were excluded. The two previously calibrated examiners participated in the clinical examinations and visited the selected schools. The clinical examinations were performed in well-lit classrooms or in shaded places under natural light using plane mouth mirrors and sterilized cotton to remove debris. The central incisors, lateral incisors, and first molars in the upper and lower jaws were examined.

Results: School children were assessed by O’sullivan index which showed dental erosion of 42.8% on labial or buccal surface, 9.7% on lingual or palatal surface, 7.4% on occlusal or incisal, 4% on labial, incisal/occlusal and 7% on lingual, incisal/occlusal. Grade of severity of dental erosion showed normal enamel in 43.1%, matt appearance of enamel surface with no loss of contour in 20.1%, loss of enamel only in 35.8% and loss of enamel with exposure of dentine in 1%.

Conclusion: The study concludes that dental erosion is a multifactor in origin and with time is becoming increasingly commonly in younger age group. It is important that as health providers we need to identify the possible risk factors and make the community aware of the ways to prevent this condition.

Key words: Surfaces of teeth, enamel surface, Soft drinks and straw.