Dental erosion: a widespread condition nowadays? A cross-sectional study among a group of adolescents in Norway

Abstract

Objective. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, distribution and severity of erosive wear in a group of 16–18-year-olds in the western part of Norway. A second aim was to describe possible associations between caries experience, socioeconomic background and origin of birth. Materials and methods. Adolescents (n = 795) attending recall examinations at Public Dental Service (PDS) clinics were also examined for dental erosive wear on index surfaces, using the Visual Erosion Dental Examination scoring system (VEDE). Results. In total, 795 individuals were examined. Dental erosive wear was diagnosed in 59% of the population (44% erosive wear in enamel only, 14% combination of enamel and dentine lesions, 1% erosive wear in dentine only). The palatal surfaces of upper central incisors and occlusal surfaces of first lower molars were affected the most (33% and 48% of all surfaces, respectively). Cuppings on molars were registered in 66% of the individuals with erosive wear. Erosive wear was significantly more prevalent among men (63%) than women (55%) (p = 0.018). Conclusions. There were no significant associations between dental erosive wear and caries experience, socioeconomic background or origin of birth.

Key Words::

• dental erosive wear
• prevalence
• public health
• severity

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the participants in the study, the clinicians and the Public Dental Service (PDS) of Rogaland for co-operation during the study period. The authors would also like to thank Professor Leiv Sandvik for statistical advice and comments to the manuscript.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.