The association between erosive tooth wear and diet, hygiene habits and health awareness in adolescents aged 15 in Poland.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of erosive tooth wear (ETW) and risk indicators in the population of adolescents aged 15 in Poland. METHODS: Erosive tooth wear in 2639 participants was determined by calibrated examiners according to the BEWE scoring system, and the prevalence of risk factors was assessed on the basis of a survey. RESULTS: Erosive tooth wear was reported in 24.3% of participants. Initial loss of surface (BEWE 1) was the predominant finding, observed in 21.3% of participants. Hard tissue loss (BEWE 2 and 3) occurred very rarely, only in 3% of participants. Acidic diet, masculine gender and lower socio-economic status were associated with higher prevalence and severity of erosive lesions in the examined population. CONCLUSION: Two modifiable factors-acidic diet and low health awareness-were found to be highly unsatisfactory in the adolescents aged 15 in Poland. Accordingly, to prevent the deterioration of the functionality and aesthetics of the teeth in young people, certain measures, such as routine clinical examination, education, dietary consulting and prophylaxis, should be implemented as early as possible, focusing predominantly on families with lower socio-economic status.

[Occurrence of defects of connective tissue attachment in adults with periodontal diseases]. / Wystepowanie ubytku przyczepu lacznotkankowego u osób doroslych z choroba przyzebia.

The position of the connective tissue attachment was determined by Ramfjord's method in subjects aged 20-29 and 40-49 years. In the determination four surfaces of all remaining incisors, canines, and premolars were considered. A defect of the connective tissue attachment was found in about 95% of the analysed dental surfaces in subjects aged 40-49 years. The frequency of occurrence of these defects varied depending on the type dental surface.

[3 year observation on the effects of a preventive programme on dental caries and gingivitis]. / Wybrany program zapobiegania prochnicy i zapalen dziasel na podstawie 3-letnich obserwacji.

The effects of a preventive programme which was based on repeated professional toothcleaning, OHI and motivation as well as fluoride application performed by especially trained auxiliaries are presented and discussed in relation to dental health, manpower and resources in Poland.

Effect of a preventive program on dental caries and mutans streptococci in Polish schoolchildren.

The effect of a preventive program was studied in Polish schoolchildren. The study was carried out in a group of 133 children, aged 10-12 yr, divided into a test and a control group. Children in the test group were initially treated with temporary restorations and were then given oral health education and preventive treatment by a specially trained chairside assistant. The preventive treatment included prophylaxis and topical fluoride treatment and was carried out at least 10 times a year. The mean 3-yr DFS increment was 1.7 in the test and 10.9 in the control group. The salivary counts of mutans streptococci were similar in test and control group at baseline and after 1 and 2 yr. At the examination after 3 yr, a difference was established between the two groups.

Oral health and factors related to oral health in Polish schoolchildren.

The oral health and factors related to oral health were surveyed in 168 schoolchildren, aged 10-12 years, attending one school in Warsaw. The children were examined for dental caries and gingival status, dental plaque and salivary Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus counts. An interview on dietary habits and use of fluoridated toothpaste was also performed. The results showed a mean DMFT of 4.7 in the sample. Gingival Index 1 and Plaque Index 3 were median scores for the majority of the children. S. mutans was demonstrated in 94% of the children and high numbers were found in 15%. Lactobacillus sp. were present in all examined children, with high counts in 56% of the subjects. The interview revealed that most of the children eat five or six times per day and consume candies or cakes each day. Fluoridated toothpaste was not used regularly by any of the children. In conclusion this study shows a high prevalence of dental disease and an unfavorable combination of etiologic factors.