Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Survey on Awareness of the Association between Diet and Dental Erosion

Aim: Dental Erosion is clinically defined as the progressive and irreversible loss of dental hard tissue caused by a chemical process of acid dissolution that does not involve bacteria. Dental Erosion can have intrinsic or extrinsic causes. There is growing evidence of considerable increase in consumption of erosive drinks. This aim of this study was to assess the knowledge among the general public towards the awareness of the association between diet and dental erosion. Materials and Methods: The present study is a cross sectional, descriptive questionnaire study conducted among the general public in Tamilnadu, India. A descriptive questionnaire survey was conducted among 325 participants regarding dental erosion and its association with diet from August to October,2019. Data were analysed by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) including Mean, Standard Deviation and Chi -Square Test.(p value<0.05). Results: Lack of awareness of the association between diet and dental erosion was found among the General Public. Since the p-value is significant there is a correlation between most of the groups and variables in this study. The Chi-square test results showed that there was significant impact in most of the variables of this study. Conclusion: This cross-sectional descriptive study shows a majority of the general public are associated with the consumption of potentially erosive drinks. They do not have adequate knowledge about dental erosion and its associated diet factors. Hence, establishing awareness among the general public regarding dental erosion and its association with diet is mandatory