Distribution and severity of erosion among 5-year-old children in a city in India.

Purpose: The purpose of this descriptive, cross-sectional study was to determine the prevalence and distribution of dental erosion among 5-year-old schoolchildren in Belgaum, North Karnataka, India.

Methods: A random sample of 1,100 5-year-old schoolchildren who met the inclusion criteria were included in the study, of whom 1,002 actively participated. The questionnaire given to parents pertained to sociodemographic factors, and the parents were instructed to maintain their child's 3-day diary to assess his/her existing dietary habits. Later, the questionnaire was collected and a clinical examination for dental erosion was performed. A modified Smith and Knight index was used to assess the extent of dental erosion. The child's socioeconomic status was assessed using Kuppuswamy's classification. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square test, Spearman's rank correlation coefficient tests and multiple logistic regression analysis.

Results: The prevalence of dental erosion was approximately 29% (with a higher prevalence observed in females).

Conclusion: A statistically significant association was found between diet type, type and time of exposure to acidic diet and dental erosion.