A multifactorial analysis of factors associated with dental erosion

Abstract

Objectives This study prospectively examines the relationship of possible aetiological factors to the presence of tooth erosion in a cohort of children. Patients and methods A random sample of 1,753 children was examined at age 12 and 1,308 of the same children were re-examined at age 14 years. The children were asked to complete questionnaires on both occasions, 1,149 subjects gave usable replies. The erosion index used was based upon the 1993 Survey of Children's Dental Health. Results were analysed using logistic regression. Results At age 12 significant positive associations were found between erosion and decay experience (odds ratio [OR]=1.48), drinking fruit juice (OR=1.42) or fizzy pop (OR = 1.59-2.52, depending on amount and frequency). The presence of calculus (OR 0.48) or eating fruit other than apples or citrus fruit (OR 0.48) reduced the chances of erosion. High consumption of carbonated drinks increased the odds of erosion being present at 12 years by 252% and was a strong predictor of the amount of erosion found at age 14. Conclusions Of the factors investigated, a history of dental caries and a high consumption of carbonated drinks were most closely related to the presence of dental erosion. The risk of erosion bore a strong relationship to the amount and frequency of carbonated drink consumption.It is only relatively recently that tooth erosion has been recognized as presenting a dental health problem in children. In 1993, the prevalence of erosion was reported as part of the national survey of Children's Dental Health in England and Wales 1 for the first time. Fifty per cent of 6-year-olds were found to have erosion and in 23% of children it had progressed into dentine. Thirty two per cent of 14-year-old children had erosion of the permanent dentition, with dentinal involvement present in 2%.The three main types of non-carious loss of dental hard tissue are attrition, abrasion and erosion. 2 Attrition implies removal of tooth surface due to movement of teeth against one another, pos-

A laboratory investigation of consumer addition of UHT milk to lessen the erosive potential of fizzy drinks

“…The risk of developing erosion, if such drinks are consumed once per day, has been calculated as 2.2 times that of one who does not consume such beverages. 11 This rises to 5.13 times if such drinks are consumed more than four times daily. 11 Worldwide consumption of such drinks in 2005 was around 77 litres per head of population.…”

“…11 This rises to 5.13 times if such drinks are consumed more than four times daily. 11 Worldwide consumption of such drinks in 2005 was around 77 litres per head of population. 12 Given such large scale sales and the widespread popularity of such drinks, it is perhaps rather naïve to think that consumption would be lessened to any great extent by preventive health messages.…”

Erosion of enamel by non-carbonated soft drinks with and without toothbrushing abrasion

“…4 In particular, dental erosion by acidic soft drinks appears to be a growing problem and has been the subject of numerous studies in vitro and in situ. [4][5][6] The erosive potential of a soft drink depends on chemical parameters, including pH, titratable acidity, and calcium and phosphate concentrations. 7,8 The titratable acidity is a measure of the total acid content of a drink, and is thought by some authors to be a more accurate means of predicting erosive potential than pH.…”

The erosive potential of candy sprays

“…1 In the United Kingdom, the prevalence of dental erosion is high in children and young adolescents and the prevalence still seems to be increasing. [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14] Although the aetiology of dental erosion is multifactorial, it is assumed that dietary sources of acids are the major risk factor in this age group. Several studies found an association between the presence of dental erosion and a high level of consumption of cola-type and other fl avoured carbonated beverages.…”

“…Several studies found an association between the presence of dental erosion and a high level of consumption of cola-type and other fl avoured carbonated beverages. 7,9,12,13,[15][16][17] Many soft drinks contain phosphoric, citric and other acids as ingredients, and their pH is often less than 4.0. [18][19][20] Solid acidic candies also contain organic acids like citric acid, lactic and/or malic Objective To determine the erosive potential of seven different commercially available candy sprays in vitro and in vivo.…”