Analysis of Dental Erosion in local school children
Author(s): Abhishek Agrawal* and Deepshri Agrawal
Abstract
Introduction: Tooth wear has recognized a major problem in both children and adults for many years, which includes the triad of erosion, attrition, and abrasion, but the contribution of erosion to tooth wear is increasing. There is a limited literature with regard to the prevalence of dental erosion in school going children. Hence, this study was undertaken to assess the prevalence and severity of erosive tooth wear in local school going children. Methods: The present Cross Sectional analytical study is carried out on 100 subjects. A descriptive cross sectional survey was designed to estimate the prevalence and severity of dental erosion in one year duration in 10-12year old local school children of the city. The schoolchildren were clinically examined as per the American Dental Association Type 3 criteria using mouth mirrors while seated on the chair under natural light. The four upper incisors were examined. Results: A total of 32 children had dental erosion. A significant association was recorded between the intake of fruit juice & Consumption of Carbonated Drinks (P<0.05*) and occurrence of dental erosion. The frequency of erosion (35.5%) observed in maxillary central incisors was high when compared to maxillary lateral incisors (7%). The predominance of erosion sites on the labial surfaces was noted for both the maxillary central and lateral incisors. Matt appearance of the enamel was the most prevalent type of dental erosion (23.4% for central incisors and 7.9% for lateral incisors) the surface area affected by erosion was 26.25% for central incisors and 4.83% for lateral incisors. Conclusion: Dental erosion among 10-12year old children was found to be 32%. It provides evidence that dental erosion is becoming a significant problem in schoolchildren. In this study, labial surfaces were the most affected and matt appearance of the enamel was the most prevalent type of dental erosion. In most of the involved cases, more than half of their surfaces were diagnosed as affected by erosion, which is frequently associated with the increased consumption of fruit juices and carbonated beverages.