Deciduous tooth wear and associated risk factors in 5–10-year-old school children of Lucknow

Abstract

Aim

To assess the prevalence of deciduous tooth wear in 5–10-year-old school children in Lucknow and associated risk factors.

Materials and methods

A stratified random sample of 210 school going children aged 5–10 years of Lucknow city were chosen. Information regarding the potential risk factors of tooth wear like consumption of carbonated beverages, nail biting etc. was obtained from the parents. Clinical examination was performed using Tooth Wear Index of Smith & Knight (1984). Association between tooth wear and various risk factors was assessed using Chi-square test.

Results

Majority (81%) of the children had tooth wear. Cuspids were the most commonly affected teeth (52%) followed by molars (34%) and incisors (14%). Significantly higher proportion of children consuming carbonated beverages had tooth wear (p = 0.018).

Conclusion

Tooth wear seems to be a common dental problem affecting the children as reflected in the study and its associated risk factors have to be taken into consideration while addressing it.