Dental erosion among 12-year-old schoolchildren: a population-based cross-sectional study in South Brazil

Objective: To assess the epidemiology and risk indicators for dental erosion among 12-year-old schoolchildren in South Brazil. Methods: A population-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in Porto Alegre, Brazil, using a representative sample of 12-year-old schoolchildren ( n = 1,528). Dental erosion was recorded according to the Basic Erosive Wear Examination (BEWE) index. Parents answered questions on socio-economic status, brushing frequency and general health. Schoolchildren answered questions on dietary habits. Anthropometric data were collected. Statistical analysis included logistic and Poisson regression models. Results: The prevalence of dental erosion was 15% [95% confidence interval (95% CI): 13.6–16.5], being mainly mild erosion. Boys [odds ratio (OR) = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.17–2.10], private school attendees (OR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.01–2.06) and schoolchildren reporting the daily consumption of soft drinks (OR = 5.04, 95% CI: 1.17–21.71) were more likely to have at least one tooth with dental erosion. Gender [boys, rate ratio (RR) = 1.66, 95% CI: 1.28–2.17], type of school (private, RR = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.53–2.35), the consumption of soft drinks (sometimes: RR = 5.27, 95% CI: 1.46–19.05; daily: RR = 6.82, 95% CI: 1.39–33.50) and the daily consumption of lemon (RR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.11–2.00) were significantly associated with the number of affected surfaces. Conclusions: The present study found a moderate prevalence of dental erosion among young schoolchildren, with mild erosion being the most prevalent condition. Socio demographic variables and dietary habits were associated with dental erosion in this population.