Dental erosion in 5- and 6-year-old school children and associated factors: A pilot study

To determine the prevalence of dental erosion among 5 and 6 year olds school children living in Ajman, United Arab Emirates and to establish associated risk factors. Samples of 207 children of both sexes were randomly selected. Information about potential risk factors for dental erosion was collected via questionnaires filled by the parents. Clinical examinations of buccal, occlusal/incisal and lingual surfaces of deciduous canines and molars were conducted in a school clinic. The prevalence of wear was 36.7 percent. There was no difference in the amount of wear between boys or girls. Bivariate analysis showed a statistically significant relationship between dental erosion and four erosion-related questionnaire variables, specifically; age (P=.05), non use of straw on drinking sports drink, carbonated drink (P=.04), the use of medication on regular basis (P=.03) and experiencing gastro esophageal reflux before (P=.04). Interestingly there were no statistically significant associations between tooth wear and the consumption of fruit, yoghurt, pickled foods, fizzy drinks or fruit-based drinks. The level of erosion found on the sample population was mostly within the enamel and did not require immediate intervention. However, consideration must be given to the actuality, that the primary dentition examined should be maintained till the permanent arrives and this makes prevention and preservation of the primary dentition vital.