STUDY OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ORAL-HYGIENE HABITS AND THE PRESENCE OF DENTAL EROSION IN PRESCHOOL AND SCHOOL CHILDREN

Abstract

Background: Dental erosion is defined as irreversible loss of hard dental tissues as a result of the action of endogenous and exogenous acids of non-bacterial origin. Its severity and extent depend on different behavioural factors. Aim: This study examined the relationship between oral hygiene habits and the presence of dental erosion in children aged 3 to 5 and 11 to 12 years of age. Material and methods: The study included 429 children aged 3 to 5 years and 487 children aged 11 to 12 years. The presence of erosive changes was detected by an intraoral examination, and oral hygiene habits were investigated by a direct individual questionnaire. The influence of oral hygiene habits on the presence of dental erosion was tested using the chi-square test. The level of significance was set at 5%. Results: Frequency of oral hygiene procedures and tooth brushing immediately after consumption of erosive foods or beverages were considered as significant risk factors for erosion occurrence in primary teeth. Tooth brushing more than twice a day had a significant impact on the presence of dental erosion in permanent teeth as well. Conclusion: Oral hygiene habits are related to the development of erosive changes and the frequency and timing recommendations must be tailored to the risk assessment for erosive lesions.

Keywords

• dental erosion
• oral hygiene habits
• childhood