Different Risk Factors for Erosive Tooth Wear in Rural and Urban Nepal: A National Study

Saujanya Karki, Viivi Alaraudanjoki, Jari Päkkilä, Marja-Liisa Laitala and Vuokko Anttonen
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Saujanya Karki: Research Unit of Oral Health Sciences, University of Oulu, 90014 Oulu, Finland
Viivi Alaraudanjoki: Research Unit of Oral Health Sciences, University of Oulu, 90014 Oulu, Finland
Jari Päkkilä: Department of Mathematical Sciences, University of Oulu, 90014 Oulu, Finland
Marja-Liisa Laitala: Research Unit of Oral Health Sciences, University of Oulu, 90014 Oulu, Finland
Vuokko Anttonen: Research Unit of Oral Health Sciences, University of Oulu, 90014 Oulu, Finland

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 15, 1-10

Abstract: Background: Erosive tooth wear (ETW) is of growing concern, but data on ETW among Nepalese children are scarce. The main aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence and severity of ETW among Nepalese schoolchildren. We also aimed to analyse the risk indicators for ETW according to location (rural/urban) and the role of obesity in the risk for ETW. Methods: This national study was conducted among 5–15-year-old Nepalese schoolchildren from different regions. Altogether, 1137 out of 1151 schoolchildren participated in both a clinical examination and a survey. ETW was recorded using the Basic Erosive Wear Examination. Results: The prevalence of ETW was 65%. One-fifth of the examined subjects were in need of preventive or restorative treatment. Living in an urban area and studying in a private school were protective factors for ETW, whereas consuming fruits frequently and using charcoal for tooth cleaning increased the odds for ETW. Central obesity was the strongest risk indicator for ETW among urban residents. Conclusions: ETW of low severity is common among Nepalese children and adolescents. Socio-demographic factors influence the prevalence of ETW in Nepal and there seems to be different factors that play a role in the ETW process according to location of residence.

Keywords: erosive tooth wear; obesity; prevalence; socio-demographic factors (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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