Prevalence of Tooth Wear Among Adolescents in the United Arab Emirates: A Cross-Sectional Study.

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the prevalence, severity, and associated factors of tooth wear among adolescents aged 14 to 16 years in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

METHODS

This cross-sectional study assessed tooth wear using the Basic Erosive Wear Examination (BEWE) index in 876 adolescents aged 14 to 16 years from private and public schools in the UAE. A multicomponent questionnaire collected data on sociodemographic characteristics, oral health behaviours, dietary habits, body mass index (BMI), and lifestyle factors. Data were analysed using a Generalized Linear Mixed Model, with statistical significance set at P < .05.

RESULTS

The prevalence of tooth wear was 99.8%. The mean cumulative BEWE score was 8.61 (SD: 4.1). Based on BEWE categories, 12.1% of participants had no/very low risk (0-2), 36.2% had low risk (3-8), 39.5% had medium risk (9-13), and 12.2% had high risk (≥14). Adolescents attending public schools had significantly higher BEWE scores than those in private schools (P < .05). Weekly or daily consumption of sports drinks was significantly associated with higher BEWE scores (B = 0.51; 95% CI: 0.10, 0.90), whereas regular water consumption was associated with lower BEWE scores (B = -0.83; 95% CI: -1.34, -0.31).

CONCLUSION

Tooth wear is highly prevalent among adolescents in the UAE and is associated with modifiable behavioural factors, particularly dietary habits. These findings highlight the need for school-based preventive programmes, targeted dietary counselling, and public health strategies aimed at reducing acidic beverage consumption. Longitudinal studies are required to clarify progression patterns and causal relationships.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Given the widespread presence of tooth wear among adolescents, which is preventable and treatable by addressing their behavioural changes. Early preventive strategies, school-based oral health education, and policies addressing acidic beverage consumption and raising awareness among adolescents and their parents are urgently needed.