title: Distribution and severity of erosion among 5-year-old children in a city in India.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this descriptive, cross-sectional study was to determine the prevalence and distribution of dental erosion among 5-year-old schoolchildren in Belgaum, North Karnataka, India.
  
  
  METHODS
  A random sample of 1,100 5-year-old schoolchildren who met  the inclusion criteria were included in the study, of whom 1,002 actively participated. The questionnaire given to parents pertained to sociodemographic factors, and the parents were instructed to maintain their child's 3-day diary to assess his/her existing dietary habits. Later, the questionnaire  was collected and a clinical examination for dental erosion was performed. A modified Smith and Knight index was used to assess the extent of dental erosion. The child's socioeconomic status was assessed using Kuppuswamy's classification. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square  test, Spearman's rank correlation coefficient tests and multiple logistic regression analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The prevalence of dental erosion was approximately 29% (with a higher prevalence observed in females).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A statistically significant association was found  between diet type, type and time of exposure to acidic diet and dental erosion.
authors: Department of Community Dentistry, KLE VK Institute of Dental Sciences, KLE University, Belgaum, Karnataka, India. dr_sushmanayak@yahoo.co.in
authors: Sushma Shankar
authors: SS
authors: Nayak
authors: B R
authors: BR
authors: Ashokkumar
authors: Anil V
authors: AV
authors: Ankola
authors: Mamata I
authors: MI
authors: Hebbal
mesh_terms: D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007194:India / Q000453:epidemiology; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012923:Social Class; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014077:Tooth Erosion / Q000453:epidemiology*; D014505:Urban Population