Prevalence of Dental Erosion in 12 year-old Libyan Schoolchildren

Introduction: Dental erosion appears to be affecting a growing number of children but there are no data on its prevalence in Libya. Objectives: To assess the prevalence and severity of dental erosion in a sample of 12 year-old children in Benghazi, Libya. Methods: A random sample of 791 12 year-old children (397 boys and 394 girls) attending 36 elementary schools in Benghazi was dentally examined for dental erosion using UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey(2000) criteria. This index assesses the area and depth of dental erosion affecting the labial and palatal surfaces of the upper permanent incisors and occlusal surfaces of the first permanent molars. Results: Dental erosion was observed in 40.8% of subjects; erosion into enamel affecting 32.5%, into dentine affecting 8% and erosion into pulp affecting 0.3% of subjects. Of the 9480 tooth surfaces examined, 2116 surfaces (22.3%) had dental erosion. Girls had more experience of erosion than boys, this difference was statistically significant (P= 0.001). Conclusion: It is concluded that in a cohort of 12 year-old Libyan schoolchildren, more than one third of children examined showed dental erosion, requiring clinical preventive counselling. Significantly more erosion occurred in girls than boys.

This study was supported by the Libyan Government.