1Ex-PG Student, Department of Public Health Dentistry, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, Karnataka, India
2Professor, Department of Public Health Dentistry, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, Karnataka, India
3Associate Professor, Department of Public Health Dentistry, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, Karnataka, India
*Corresponding author: Dr. Ashwini Rao, Professor, Department of Public Health Dentistry, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Mangalore, MAHE, Karnataka, India. Pin code: 575001 Telephone Number: +91 9845337155 Email: ashwini.rao@manipal.edu
Online published on 6 April, 2019.
To assess occupational exposure to acids and its possible impact on oral health of individuals.
A cross sectional descriptive survey was conducted on 597 employees. A calibrated questionnaire was administered, oral health status of the employees was assessed using WHO Oral Health Assessment Proforma and Erosive Tooth Wear was measured using Basic Erosive Wear Examination (BEWE).
49.9% employees presented with some form of erosive tooth wear. Employees who had more frequent exposure to acid fumes at work showed more dental erosion (Chi-square test, p < 0.05). Also it was observed that the prevalence of dental erosion increased with increase in work experience of the employee (r = 0.392, p < 0.01).
There was a high prevalence of erosive tooth wear among the petrochemical workers and necessary safety precautions and preventive interventions are recommended.
Dental erosion, occupational health, oral health, basic erosive wear examination
