A third (33%) of children have evidence of tooth surface loss, according to the Children’s Dental Health Survey.
The survey, published in March, shows that five-year-olds experience tooth surface loss (TSL) on one or more of the buccal surfaces of the primary upper incisors.
In addition, a quarter of 12-year-olds were reported to have TSL on molars and the buccal surface of incisors, while the proportion of children with any TSL at age 15 on the occlusal surface of molars was higher than at age 12 (31% compared to 25%).
‘The proportions of children affected by tooth surface loss into dentine and pulp are low and consistent over time, although any such damage is a significant burden to have at the age of 15,’ the authors of the report state.
Increase in tooth wear
Also 16 to 34-year-olds are experiencing a moderate increase in tooth wear, according to the Adult Dental Health Survey.
‘It seems that the dental profession needs to work hard with young patients if we are to prevent long-term damage that will require considerable remedial treatment in the future if left unchecked,’ the London Tooth Wear Centre suggests.