Influence of diet and salivary characteristics on the prevalence of dental erosion among 12-year-old schoolchildren

Abstract

Purpose: The aims of this study were to assess the prevalence of dental erosion among 12-year-old schoolchildren in Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil; and determine if gender, dietary habit, and salivary characteristics (salivary flow rate, buffer capacity, and pH) influence the erosion.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out involving 389 children. Data on dietary habits, oral hygiene practices, and medical backgrounds were obtained by a survey. The erosion index proposed by O'Sullivan was used. Whole-fresh-saliva was collected and data was submitted to statistical analysis.

Results: The prevalence of dental erosion was 26 percent. There was no significant difference in prevalence between boys and girls (P=.19). Labial surfaces were the most affected (58 percent) and enamel loss was the most prevalent type of dental erosion (65 percent). Overall, no significant difference was found among salivary characteristics and prevalence of erosion (salivary flow rate: P=.98; buffer capacity: P=.75; pH: P=.80). Most children presented good salivary characteristics. Results indicate that the main risk factors for erosion were usage of acidic drugs, consumption of soft drinks, and temperature of acid fruits.

Conclusions: The prevalence of erosion in 12-year-old schoolchildren living in Piracicaba, SF, Brazil could be considered high. Extrinsic factors were related to erosion, while salivary characteristics seemed to have no influence on erosion.