Erosions in younger adults in Germany: results of the 6th German Oral Health Study (DMS • 6).

Objectives: In addition to caries, other dental hard tissue diseases, such as erosive wear, are gaining importance in prevention and treatment. The survey aimed to collect current data on the prevalence of erosions in younger adults and to compare these with the previous state of knowledge.

Method and materials: As part of the representative 6th German Oral Health Study (DMS • 6), all teeth were assessed according to the basic erosive wear examination (BEWE). The maximum value of the findings per sextant was included in the evaluation.

Results: The prevalence of erosions was found to be 43.2%. At 49.1%, men had significantly more erosions than women (37.8%). Younger adults with a high education status were affected by erosions more frequently than persons with a medium or low education status (49.2%, 37.9%, and 45.1%, respectively).

Conclusion: The prevalence of erosions remains practically unchanged from the Fifth German Oral Health Study (DMS V) of 2014. However, the proportion of people at increased risk has risen sharply. The continued high prevalence of erosions combined with the increased proportion of people with a medium or high risk classification indicates that the prevention and treatment of erosive wear is a clinically relevant issue.