M I Al-Malik1, R D Holt, R Bedi. 1. Department of Transcultural Oral Health, Eastman Dental Institute, University College, London, UK.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the possible association between dental erosion and caries, and variables including socio-economic status, reported dietary practices and oral hygiene behaviour, in a sample of children in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study including dental examination and questionnaire survey was carried out at a number of kindergartens. SAMPLE AND METHODS: A sample of 987 children (2-5-year-olds) was drawn from 17 kindergartens. Clinical examinations were carried out under standardized conditions by a trained and calibrated examiner (MAM). Information regarding diet and socio-economic factors was drawn from questionnaires distributed to the parents through the schools. These were completed before the dental examination. RESULTS: Of the 987 children, 309 (31%) showed signs of erosion. Caries were diagnosed in 720 (73%) of the children and rampant caries in 336 (34%). Vitamin C supplements, frequent consumption of carbonated drinks and the drinking of fruit syrup from a feeding bottle at bed- or nap-time when the child was a baby, were all related to erosion. Consumption of carbonated drinks and fruit syrups was also related to caries but they were part of a larger number of significant factors including socio-demographic measures and oral hygiene practices. CONCLUSIONS: There was no clear relationship between erosion and social class, or between erosion and oral hygiene practices; the reverse was true for caries. Dietary factors relating to both erosion and caries and/or rampant caries were found in this sample of children.
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the possible association between dental erosion and caries, and variables including socio-economic status, reported dietary practices and oral hygiene behaviour, in a sample of children in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study including dental examination and questionnaire survey was carried out at a number of kindergartens. SAMPLE AND METHODS: A sample of 987 children (2-5-year-olds) was drawn from 17 kindergartens. Clinical examinations were carried out under standardized conditions by a trained and calibrated examiner (MAM). Information regarding diet and socio-economic factors was drawn from questionnaires distributed to the parents through the schools. These were completed before the dental examination. RESULTS: Of the 987 children, 309 (31%) showed signs of erosion. Caries were diagnosed in 720 (73%) of the children and rampant caries in 336 (34%). Vitamin C supplements, frequent consumption of carbonated drinks and the drinking of fruit syrup from a feeding bottle at bed- or nap-time when the child was a baby, were all related to erosion. Consumption of carbonated drinks and fruit syrups was also related to caries but they were part of a larger number of significant factors including socio-demographic measures and oral hygiene practices. CONCLUSIONS: There was no clear relationship between erosion and social class, or between erosion and oral hygiene practices; the reverse was true for caries. Dietary factors relating to both erosion and caries and/or rampant caries were found in this sample of children.
Authors: Ali Mohamed Idris; Nandimandalam Venkata Vani; Dhafi A Almutari; Mohammed A Jafar; Nezar Boreak Journal: J Int Soc Prev Community Dent Date: 2016-12