Objective: To estimate the prevalence and distribution of tooth wear among groups of adolescents
and adults in Shanghai, China through an epidemiological survey, and explore the
associated factors.
Methods: Multistage, stratified, constant volume and cluster sampling methods were used in
an epidemiological survey conducted in Shanghai in 2014. The basic erosive wear examination
(BEWE) index was used to screen for tooth wear in different age groups: 12 years, 15
years, 18 to 35 years, 36 to 49 years and 50 to 74 years. A previously published questionnaire
collected information including dietary habits, oral hygiene habits and general conditions.
Results: This survey reports the results for 1806 participants in Shanghai. The prevalence
of tooth wear was 59.7% in adolescents (BEWE ≥ 1) and 93.1% in adults (BEWE ≥ 2). The
prevalence and severity of disease increased with age (P < 0.01). The teeth most susceptible
to wear were the central incisors and first molars. Multivariate analysis of covariance
(ANCOVA) results showed that soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, pickled vegetables and hard food,
gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), xerostomia and poor tooth brushing habits were
statistically correlated with tooth wear in different age groups.
Conclusion: The prevalence of tooth wear appears to be high in adolescents and adults in
Shanghai. Frequent consumption of soft or alcoholic drinks, GERD, xerostomia and poor
tooth brushing habits were positively associated with tooth wear in different age groups.