title: Dental erosion among 12-year-old schoolchildren: a population-based cross-sectional study in South Brazil.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Restorative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Brazil.
authors.forename: Luana Severo
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Alves
authors.affiliation: Department of Social and Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Odontology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
authors.forename: Carolina Doege
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Brusius
authors.affiliation: Department of Social and Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Odontology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
authors.forename: Nailê
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Damé-Teixeira
authors.affiliation: Department of Social and Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Odontology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
authors.forename: Marisa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Maltz
authors.affiliation: Department of Periodontics and Oral Biology, Medical College of Georgia, School of Dentistry, Augusta, GA, USA.
authors.forename: Cristiano
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Susin
mesh_terms: D001249:Asthma / Q000453:epidemiology; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D002253:Carbonated Beverages / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D002648:Child; D002957:Citrus; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D005638:Fruit; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000453:epidemiology; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011159:Population Surveillance; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D012923:Social Class; D014077:Tooth Erosion / Q000453:epidemiology*; D014099:Toothbrushing / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
keywords: Tooth erosion; epidemiology; prevalence; risk assessment