Prevalence of  Dental Erosions in 15-Year-Olds in Poland

Methods: A cross-sectional oral health survey of randomly selected sample of 15-year-old adolescents was carried out in Poland. A number of 2646 subjects were examined by trained and calibrated dentists for dental erosions. Dental erosion was measured according to the BEWE index. Information about medical problems, oral hygiene habits, awareness of erosion problems, dietary habits of erosive food and drinks, parents' education and employment status were gathered in a questionnaire.
Dental erosion was analyzed and risk factors were assessed using Chi-Square and logistic regression analysis.

Results: Out of 2646 young people, 25% had signs of dental erosion. The majority of erosive lesions were within enamel. 21.2% of the population had grade 1 vestibular erosions, and  2.8% grade 2. Grade 3 lesions were found in 0.2% population. There was no difference between boys and girls. About 85% of the  population was healthy, 4.5% had gastroesophageal reflux disease. 60% was not aware of erosion, about 80% of the youth was not aware of the risk of demineralization caused by erosive nutrition.

Conclusion: The first clinical examination of dental erosion in Polish 15-year-old youth revealed that erosive tooth wear is often seen in this age group and may increase clinical problems in the future. There is a need for preventive programs addressed specially to children and youth.