Opinions on Dental Erosive Lesions, Knowledge ofDiagnosis, and Treatment Strategies among Norwegian Dentists:A Questionnaire Survey

摘要

This study aimed to investigate dentists' general experience, knowledge about diagnosis, and treatment of dental erosive wear in young adults. A questionnaire was sent to 1262 Norwegian public dental health-employed dentists. The response rate was 60%. Results indicated that most dentists recorded erosive wear, half of them used a specific scoring system, and half registered lesions at the tooth surface level. Lesions were reported most often on palatal surfaces of upper anterior teeth (79% of dentists), on occlusal surfaces of lower 1st molars (74%), and on upper 1st molars (32%). Half the dentists used clinical photographs for documentation and 60% made study models. While 40% reported more erosive lesions in males, 36% reported no gender differences. High intake of carbonated beverages and acidic juices were reported as the most common cause by 97% and 72% of the dentists, respectively. Only 21% of dentists recorded the patient's dietary history, and 73% never measured saliva secretion. The majority (78%) of the dentists treated patients with erosive wear themselves. In general, the survey suggests that the dentists are relatively up to date regarding the clinical recording, diagnosis, and treatment of dental erosive wear. However, dietary and salivary analyses were not given priority, and early, preventive treatment was lacking. The focus on dental erosive wear by both the public and dental health professionals appears to be increasing. This may be due to a decrease in caries levels in industrialized countries and/or to high prevalence of erosion lesions documented in recent epidemiological studies. The diagnosis and the potential treatment needs of patients with dental erosive lesions are considered to be a significant challenge to clinicians. It is known that dental erosive wear is a multifactorial condition , and that it is important to evaluate the potential factors which could lead to identification of persons at risk. In order to assess and reveal possible predisposing factors, a record of patient's dietary intake should be registered as part of a comprehensive case history involving general health, habits, saliva flow rates and buffer capacity . A study by Lussi and Schaffner showed that active lesions will progress when no adequate preventive measures are implemented . It is therefore important to detect the condition as early as possible and dentists should be trained to register even the first signs of the condition. This becomes especially important when taking into account the trend that patients often do not seek treatment until the lesions have reached such an advanced stage that restorative therapy is needed .