Uzma Shahbaz1, Fauzia Quadir2, Tasleem Hosein1. 1. Department of Operative Dentistry, Fatima Jinnah Dental College, Karachi. 2. Department of Operative Dentistry, Dow Dental College, Karachi.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of dental erosion in 12-14 years school children and its association with dietary habits. STUDY DESIGN: Observational cross-sectional analytical study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Fatima Jinnah Dental College, Karachi, from January to June 2010. METHODOLOGY: School children aged between 12 - 14 years were included in this study. Dental erosion was detected by visual examination. Aself-developed questionnaire was used to assess the dietary habits of children. Acidic diet was considered a diet that has an acidic pH. The amount of consumption of acidic drinks and food per week was categorized into low consumption (1 - 7 times / week) and medium consumption (8 - 21 times / week). Chi-square test was applied to see any statistical difference between diet and tooth erosion at 95% CI. RESULTS: The results showed a high frequency of (46%) dental erosion in children, which was significantly higher (p < 0.001) in children with more acidic diet. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the impact of dietary habits on the prevalence of dental erosion in children. Acidic diets need to be controlled in frequency to prevent dental erosion.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of dental erosion in 12-14 years school children and its association with dietary habits. STUDY DESIGN: Observational cross-sectional analytical study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Fatima Jinnah Dental College, Karachi, from January to June 2010. METHODOLOGY: School children aged between 12 - 14 years were included in this study. Dental erosion was detected by visual examination. Aself-developed questionnaire was used to assess the dietary habits of children. Acidic diet was considered a diet that has an acidic pH. The amount of consumption of acidic drinks and food per week was categorized into low consumption (1 - 7 times / week) and medium consumption (8 - 21 times / week). Chi-square test was applied to see any statistical difference between diet and tooth erosion at 95% CI. RESULTS: The results showed a high frequency of (46%) dental erosion in children, which was significantly higher (p < 0.001) in children with more acidic diet. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the impact of dietary habits on the prevalence of dental erosion in children. Acidic diets need to be controlled in frequency to prevent dental erosion.