PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the association of dental erosion with dietary factors and oral hygiene practices among 5-year-old schoolchildren in Belgaum, Karnataka, India. METHODS: A random sample of 1,002 5-year-old children was drawn from Belgaum schools. Erosion was assessed using the modified Smith and Knight index. A self-designed questionnaire was used to probe into the details of the children's dietary practices. RESULTS: Frequency of consumption of beverages, canned juices, tamarind, and honey, a mixed diet, and frequency of teeth cleaning were significant predictors of dental erosion. Oral hygiene practices like timing of cleaning teeth and materials used did not show significant association with dental erosion. CONCLUSION: Certain dietary factors like canned juice, raw mango, gooseberry, tamarind, honey, buttermilk, and beverages showed significant correlation with dental erosion. Dietary counseling must take this into consideration.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the association of dental erosion with dietary factors and oral hygiene practices among 5-year-old schoolchildren in Belgaum, Karnataka, India. METHODS: A random sample of 1,002 5-year-old children was drawn from Belgaum schools. Erosion was assessed using the modified Smith and Knight index. A self-designed questionnaire was used to probe into the details of the children's dietary practices. RESULTS: Frequency of consumption of beverages, canned juices, tamarind, and honey, a mixed diet, and frequency of teeth cleaning were significant predictors of dental erosion. Oral hygiene practices like timing of cleaning teeth and materials used did not show significant association with dental erosion. CONCLUSION: Certain dietary factors like canned juice, raw mango, gooseberry, tamarind, honey, buttermilk, and beverages showed significant correlation with dental erosion. Dietary counseling must take this into consideration.