Prevalence of tooth wear and its associated risk factors among industrial workers in Daman, India: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Tooth wear is an ever increasing problem. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence of tooth wear and its associated risk factors among industrial workers in Daman, India. Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted among 613 industrial workers selected using simple random sampling. The clinical assessment of tooth wear was done using tooth wear index (TWI) developed by Smith & Knight. A specifically designed questionnaire was used to seek information on risk factors of tooth wear. Data were analyzed using Pearson’s chi-square test, ANOVA and a multiple logistic regression model. Results: The overall prevalence of tooth wear was found to be greater in mandible (86.8%) as compared to maxilla (61.7%). In both maxilla and mandible, the most frequently affected teeth were incisors (55.8% and 83.7%) followed by canines (52.2% and 81.2%), pre molars (38.5% and 42.1%) and molars (37.8% and 38.8%). Among the risk factors, consumption of hard or acidic foods (p=0.01, OR=1.73) and use of hard toothbrush bristles (p=0.04, OR=0.04) in maxilla and clenching or grinding of teeth (p=0.01, OR=3.96) in mandible were significantly associated with tooth wear. However, work environment involving dust or acid gas was the only risk factor associated with tooth wear in both maxilla (p=0.004, OR=0.53) and mandible (p<0.001, OR=0.35). Conclusions: There is a high prevalence of tooth wear among industrial workers. Thus, efforts should be made by dentists to increase awareness about tooth wear and plan a three-level prevention program based on analysis of risk assessment.

Assessment of tooth wear and its associated factors in adult patients visiting a dental hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal

“…6,23,24 It was seen that more tooth wear was seen in mandibular teeth than maxillary teeth for both male and female. Similar findings were reported by Ahuja et al 10 , Liu et al 15 , Taiwo et al 25 Females had a higher low and moderate tooth wear score than males. Where as males had a higher severe tooth wear score compared to females.…”

“…More tooth wear has been seen in incisors and canine in many studies. 2,10 This variation can be attributed to differences in the indices used, study criteria and diagnostic criteria.…”

“…Several studies have shown an association of increase of tooth wear in patients with a habit of clenching of teeth and bruxism. 6,10,14 The high biting and masticatory forces due to clenching/ grinding of teeth are thought to be responsible for the increased wear seen in incisal/occlusal surfaces of teeth. 31 In our study we couldn't find increase in tooth wear related to clenching of teeth.…”

“…According to the severity of tooth wear, scores of 0-4 were assigned to the teeth after examination. 10 After the clinical examination, participants were interviewed using a specifically designed validated questionnaire based on the literature search and expert opinion 10 (Table 4). Through the questionnaire, the participants were asked to provide information on risk factors of tooth wear like the presence of clenching/grinding of teeth, the consumption of hard or acidic foods, working environment (related to dust or acid gas), clicking of the temporomandibular joint, acid reflux, tobacco habits, oral hygiene practices (toothbrush/ neemstick / finger / other), type of toothbrush bristle and method of tooth brushing.…”

“…9 The workers of the industry are highly exposed to harmful elements, acids in their work environment which is considered responsible for dental erosion. 10 Factors such as attrition abrasion and even friction of tongue can interact with acid and result in accelerated wear of the teeth. 11 Excessive tooth wear leads to hypersensitivity, pulpitis, periapical periodontitis, pulp necrosis and can cause serious damage to the oral health of an individual.…”