Dental erosion among school children- A survey

Abstract

Background: Dental erosion is characterized by the progressive, irreversible loss of dental tissue. The
present study was conducted to evaluate dental erosion among 7-14 years school children.
Materials & Methods: 350 school children age ranged 7-14 years of both genders were studied for
dental erosion evaluated using the Basic Erosive Wear Examination (BEWE), which is scored as follows:
0 = No loss of tooth enamel; 1 = initial loss of enamel surface texture; 2 = Loss of hard tissue (dentin) on
<50% of the surface area; and 3 = loss of hard tissue (dentin) on more than 50% of the surface area.
Results: Age group 7-8 years had 110, 9-10 years had 100, 11-12 years had 90 and 13-14 years had 50
children. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). The mean BEWE score was 0 in 205, 1 in 65, 2 in 50,
3 in 10, 4 in 15, 5 in 3 and 8 in 2 childrens. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). The frequency of
intake of acidic foods was 1 time per day seen in 65% and 2 times per day in 35%. Frequency of intake of
acidic beverages was 1/day in 58% and 2/day in 42%. The mode of ingesting acidic beverages was with
glass in 74% and with straw in 25%. The difference was significant (P< 0.05).
Conclusion: It is concerning that schoolchildren consume so much acidic food and drink. These poor
practises lead to dental deterioration.