asthma and erosion

Resident’s Name: Joanne Lewis Date: February 19, 2010

Article title: Is there a relationship between asthma and dental erosion? A case control study

Author(s): Al-Dlaigan, Y. H., et al

Journal: International Journal of Pediatric Dentistry

Volume (number): 12

Date: 2002

Major topic: asthma and tooth erosion

Type of Article: research article

Main Purpose: to determine if there is a relationship between asthma and tooth erosion

Overview of method of research: The study consisted of 60 children divided into 3 groups as follows: group 1 – control group of 20 children with no history of asthma or other health problems. Group 2 – asthma group – 20 children with a history of asthma requiring long term medication. Group 3 – erosion group – 20 children referred due to significant erosion, no history of asthma. All children were examined clinically and classified as having low, moderate, or severe erosion. Information about medical history and dietary intake was collected for each child through a standard questionnaire. Unstimulated and stimulated saliva samples were collected from the children – the salivary pH and buffering capacity was measured. The data was analyzed using SPSS.

Findings: None of the children in the control group had severe erosion. In the asthma group, 65% had moderate and 35% had severe erosion. In the erosion group, 65% were classified as having severe erosion, with the majority of the erosion occurring on palatal surfaces, unlike in the control or asthma group. In the asthma and erosion groups there were more children who reported a history of indigestion, vomiting, heartburn and stomach problems. Dietary questions showed a high intake of soft drinks in all three groups of children; however, children in the erosion group did have a diet with more acidic components. There was no statistically significant difference noted in salivary flow rates, salivary pH, or buffering capacity between the 3 groups.

Key points/Summary: Conditions such as vomiting, heartburn, and stomach problems were more common in the erosion and asthma groups. Other studies suggest a definite association between gastroesophageal reflux and asthma. The most consistent dietary risk factor related to erosion is the consumption of soft drinks, carbonated beverages, and sports drinks.

Assessment of article: I thought this study was structured oddly and tried to look at too many variables. Results were not surprising.