OBJECTIVETo investigate the prevalence and influencing factors of dental erosion among college students in Guangzhou and to provide necessary information for the prevention.

METHODSA total of 1704 16-24-year-old students from six colleges or universities were assessed for dental erosion. Data on the social economical status, eating habits, oral hygiene habits, and other related factors were obtained through questionnaire. The influencing factors were analyzed by chi(2)-test and logistic regression analysis.

RESULTSFive hundreds and one of the 1704 subjects suffered from dental erosion (29.4%). The teeth most frequently affected were the upper and lower incisors and first mandibular molar. For tooth surfaces were incisal/occlusal surfaces [66.1% (5491/8311)] and labial/buccal surfaces [31.0% (2574/8311)]. Logistic regression analysis showed that female, those who were not the only child in the family, and students who consumed carbonated drinks more than once per week or drank 500 ml or more of acidic beverages per week were more likely to have dental erosion.

CONCLUSIONSControl of the consuming of acidic beverages is an important measure for the prevention of dental erosion.