Prevalence and Risk Indicators of Dental Erosion in Thai Adolescents

Objectives: Little information is available on the epidemiology of dental erosion among Asian populations. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the prevalence and risk indicators of dental erosion among 15-year-old adolescents in Khon Kaen, northeast Thailand. Methods: Three hundreds and twenty eight subjects were randomly selected from secondary schools in Khon Kaen, stratified by school location (municipal versus non-municipal areas). Dental erosion was examined by one calibrated dentist using modified erosion index. Information on lifestyle, oral health and dietary habits was collected by an interview using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using multiple logistic regression analyses. Results: The prevalence of dental erosion was 22%. All lesions affected enamel only. Lower left first molars were the most affected teeth (18%). Factors associated with an increased risk for dental erosion included male sex (odds ratio, OR=1.9; 95% confidence interval, CI=1.1-3.5), studying in private school (OR=3.8; 95%CI=1.6-8.8) and having parents with less than secondary school education (OR=2.4; 95%CI=1.2-4.6). Adolescents who had experienced professional tooth cleaning had a decreased risk for dental erosion (OR=0.5; 95%CI=0.2-0.9). Dietary factors were not significantly associated with dental erosion in this population. Conclusion: Dental erosion is common among Thai adolescents. Gender, socioeconomic status and dental utilization are risk indicator for erosion. Possible etiological factors of erosion need to be investigated further. Supported by the Faculty of Graduate Studies, Khon Kaen University.