Prevalence and risk factors of erosive tooth wear in 3–6 year old German kindergarten children—A comparison between 2004/05 and 2014/15

Abstract Objectives The aims of this study were (1) to investigate prevalence, severity and distribution of erosive tooth wear in German kindergarten children aged 3–6 years in 2014/15 in comparison to an earlier survey from 2004/05 and (2) to identify and compare possible risk factors. Methods 775 children aged 3–6 years from 27 kindergartens were examined in 2014/15 and compared to the data from 2004/05 (432 children/21 kindergartens). Erosive tooth wear was examined using the O’Sullivan-Index. Additionally, data were converted into the Basic Erosive Wear Examination (BEWE)-index. Information about dietary habits, chronic illness and oral hygiene practices were obtained by questionnaires. Statistical analyses were done by Chi2 -, Mann-Whitney U Tests and regression analyses (p < 0.05). Results Compared to 2004/05 (31.3%) prevalence of erosive tooth wear was significantly increased in 2014/15 (45.4%). In 2004/05 and 2014/15, prevalence increased significantly with increasing age of the children: 3-year-olds: 22.5%/14.2%; 4-year-olds: 27.4%/32.9%; 5-year-olds: 30.5%/58.8%; 6-year-olds: 38.1%/71.7%. Children with erosive tooth wear presented more affected teeth and a higher severity of erosive tooth wear, respectively, in 2014/15 compared to 2004/05. The BEWE score sum was significantly higher in 2014/15 (3-year-olds: 3.4 ± 2.1, 4-year-olds: 4.2 ± 3.1, 5-year-olds: 4.6 ± 2.9, 6-year-olds: 5.9 ± 3.3) than in 2004/05 (3-year-olds: 2.0 ± 1.2, 4-year-olds: 2.7 ± 1.8, 5-year-olds: 2.7 ± 2.4, 6-year-olds: 4.2 ± 4.2). In 2014/15, age and male gender were significant with respect to the presence of erosive tooth wear. Severity of erosive tooth wear was dependent on the regular consumption of fruit juices and lemonade/coke. Conclusion The prevalence of erosive tooth wear in German kindergarten children has increased in the last ten years.