EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDY OF DENTAL WEAR IN CHILDREN BETWEEN 6 AND 11 YEARS OLD FROM DOLJ COUNTY, ROMANIA

Abstract

Dental wear could occur as a normal physiological process that can be observed both in primary and permanent dentition as a consequence of mandibular conduction phenomena but often could be a pathological process due to the repeated action of risk factors. Aims of the study: To establish prevalence, severity of lesions and to identify possible risk factors associated with dental wear. Material and method: The present study was conducted on a sample of 456 children (6-11 years old) from several schools in rural and urban areas. A visual inspection of teeth with completing an examination sheet in accordance with BEWE index was performed. Also, a parent questionnaire was completed. Results: The prevalence was 32.46%, especially in primary dentition, with higher values in the urban area (84.5%), among the group of male children (54.05%) and in the group of 7 years old (33.11%). The possible risk factors were also identified following the analysis of the questionnaires. Conclusions: The study encountered a high prevalence of dental wear in children associated with a number of aetiological factors and established that, from an early age, children have access to energy drinks and carbonated beverages.

Keywords

• carbonated beverages
• children
• dental wear
• energy drinks
• risk factors