Risk Indicators for Tooth Wear in New Zealand School Children

Aim: To investigate the prevalence and severity of tooth wear in the primary dentition of a representative sample of New Zealand school children and relate these to possible risk factors.

Design: A cross-sectional study.

Setting: Primary schools in Dunedin, New Zealand.

Participants: 104 children of both sexes, aged between 5 and 8 years, randomly selected.

Methods: Clinical examinations of the buccal, occlusal/incisal and lingual surfaces of deciduous canines and molars.

Main Outcome Measure: Degree of wear and the presence of dentinal cupping of teeth. Information on weaning and consumption of fruit-based drinks at bed time, frequency of consumption of fruits, yoghurt, pickled foods, fizzy and fruit-based drinks.

Results: The prevalence of tooth wear was similar in boys and girls and there were no significant differences between sides of the arches. A high percentage (82%) of children had at least one primary tooth with dentine exposed. While maxillary canines showed the greatest prevalence of dentine exposed, maxillary molars displayed the greatest prevalence of cupping. Severe tooth wear was less prevalent among children weaned after 12 months (14.3%) than those weaned earlier (27.9% P < 0.01). There were no statistically significant associations between wear and the consumption of fruit, yoghurt, pickled foods, fizzy drinks or fruit-based drinks.

Conclusions: Tooth wear associated with dentine exposure is common in 5-8 year old children. This is not significantly associated with dietary factors, but appears to be related to early weaning from the breast.