Prevalence of dental erosion and related factors in the deciduous dentition of Japanese children

ObjectivesThe objectives of this study were to clarify the prevalence of dental erosion in the deciduous dentition of child patients, and to identify dietary habits and other factors related to dental erosion.MethodsA total of 116 weaned child patients (67 boys, 49 girls) aged 2–6 years who attended the outpatient pediatric dental clinic of a university hospital for treatment or a periodic checkup were included in the study. A questionnaire survey of the patients' dietary habits and a clinical examination were performed. Dentition was divided into four areas, and responses to erosion-related questions were evaluated for each area using multiple logistic regression analysis.ResultsThe prevalence of subjects with erosion, including pre-erosion lesions without tooth surface defects, was 86%; the prevalence of advanced erosion accompanied by tooth surface defects was 34%. Some food- and drink-related items were found to be significantly associated with erosion of the maxillary anterior teeth but not the mandibular teeth. Medication, use of fluoride, and past dental or medical history did not have any significant effect on erosion in any of the four areas.ConclusionsThe occurrence of dental erosion in deciduous dentition and factors related to its appearance were clarified for each area. An epidemiological survey is required to further reveal the state of deciduous dental erosion in Japanese children and to investigate the necessity of, and, if necessary, establish relevant guidelines for the prevention of dental erosion.