IADR Abstract Archives
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Erosive Tooth Wear Among Military Personnel in Singapore
Objectives: The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence and severity of ETW and the associated risks factors among young military personnel in Singapore.
Methods: This cross-sectional study consisted of a questionnaire and clinical examination of military personnel between 18 – 25 years. The questionnaire collected information regarding the participants’ demographics, medical and dental history, lifestyle and dietary habits. Tooth wear was clinically evaluated using the Basic Erosive Wear Examination (BEWE) index. The participants were profiled into four risk categories (none, low, moderate, severe) based on the sum score. Significance testing (p<0.05) and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to determine risk factors associated with the presence of ETW.
Results: Out of 1296 participants evaluated, 21.8% of them had ETW. The anterior sextants were more affected by erosion than posterior sextants for both maxillary and mandibular arches. The risk factors significantly associated with ETW were GERD (OR=2.83) presence of self-reported TMD symptoms (OR=2.51), acidic food (OR=2.03) and drinks (OR=3.07), high caries risk (OR=4.59) and the stiffness of toothbrush (OR=4.67).
Conclusions: ETW is prevalent among young adult population and majority are at a risk of ETW. Gastric reflux disease, TMD, consumption of acidic diet, dental caries and the use of stiff toothbrushes were identified as significant risk factors.
Methods: This cross-sectional study consisted of a questionnaire and clinical examination of military personnel between 18 – 25 years. The questionnaire collected information regarding the participants’ demographics, medical and dental history, lifestyle and dietary habits. Tooth wear was clinically evaluated using the Basic Erosive Wear Examination (BEWE) index. The participants were profiled into four risk categories (none, low, moderate, severe) based on the sum score. Significance testing (p<0.05) and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to determine risk factors associated with the presence of ETW.
Results: Out of 1296 participants evaluated, 21.8% of them had ETW. The anterior sextants were more affected by erosion than posterior sextants for both maxillary and mandibular arches. The risk factors significantly associated with ETW were GERD (OR=2.83) presence of self-reported TMD symptoms (OR=2.51), acidic food (OR=2.03) and drinks (OR=3.07), high caries risk (OR=4.59) and the stiffness of toothbrush (OR=4.67).
Conclusions: ETW is prevalent among young adult population and majority are at a risk of ETW. Gastric reflux disease, TMD, consumption of acidic diet, dental caries and the use of stiff toothbrushes were identified as significant risk factors.