Association between Erosive Tooth Wear and Sociodemographic Background Factors, Restorative Dental Treatment Need, and Periodontal Health among Young Finnish Men: A Cross-Sectional Epidemiological Study.

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to determine the level of erosive tooth wear (ETW) in young, healthy Finnish men in relation to their sociodemographic background; the number of decayed, missing due to caries, and filled teeth in their permanent dentition (DMFT); and Community Periodontal Index (CPI). Studies on the association between ETW and periodontal health, as well as those related to sociodemographic factors, have so far been inconclusive, indicating a need for further research on these associations.

METHODS

The data used in this study were collected from the database of the "Oral Health of Finnish Conscripts 2021" project, including clinical and survey data from healthy Finnish males (n = 1,712) in their early twenties. Basic Erosive Tooth Wear Examination (BEWE) scoring was used to evaluate the ETW level. Distributions and mean BEWE sum score values excluding wisdom teeth were calculated. Cross-tabulation together with a χ2 test and binary logistic regression analysis were used to evaluate increased risk (BEWE sum score ≥3) for ETW. A geomap was used to illustrate the prevalence and severity of ETW across various regions of Finland.

RESULTS

ETW is common among young Finnish men as almost two-thirds (63.0%) of the subjects had signs of erosive lesions. Severe ETW (BEWE sum score ≥9) was rare (3.2%). More severe ETW was associated with poorer overall oral health as the DMFT and CPI values were both higher with an exacerbated level of erosion. Restorative treatment need (D >0) and periodontal treatment need (CPI ≥2) were also associated with ETW. Living in urban areas and older age were associated with a higher prevalence and severity of ETW. A distinct variation in the increased risk for ETW was observed between various regions of Finland.

CONCLUSION

Poorer dental and periodontal health, as well as place of residence, were associated with higher severity of ETW. The progressive and irreversible nature of the condition underscores the importance of early detection.