Even when they visit the dentist, children with a high income are more likely to suffer dental wear, according to the very first study in its field.
The systematic review indicates that the harmful effects of juices, sodas as well as energy drinks, have eroded the advantages offered by education and wealth.
Through 65 research studies in 30 different countries, comprising more than 60,000 people between the ages of 6 and 79, researchers discovered an association between social class and the wear of teeth.
For students who attend private schools and whose parents are higher education levels and income, the wear of teeth appears to be much more noticeable.
This may seem odd initially, particularly since children from families with more wealth tend to get regular dental treatment However, when you consider how tightly the diet is linked to social class, it does make sense.
“Fizzy drinks, energy drinks and packaged juices are in many countries available to the affluent. And despite a focus on sugar, such as the implementation of a sugar tax in the UK, the diet/low-sugar/sugar-free alternatives remain acidic,” explains Khaled Ahmed, who researches dentistry and oral health at Griffith University in Australia.
“These dietary habits may predispose children of all socio-economic levels to erosive risk, but those from a ‘high’ [socioeconomic] area may be more frequently exposed than their counterparts due to increased access as a result of affluence in low- and middle-income countries.”
Naturally, the majority of people will experience some degree in dental wear through life, however the speed at which teeth begin to erode and wear down, and chip away is dependent on a variety of elements that change with the passage of age and time.
Children with low socioeconomic standing, for example they may not show signs of signs of wear on their teeth initially however, as they get old and utilize their teeth throughout the day and night and day out, wear on their teeth can be a concern.
In countries where acidic foods like hibiscus baobab, tamarind and hibiscus are frequently consumed such as baobab, for instance the wear of teeth appears to be much more severe. However, diet isn’t only the primary element at play.
The current meta-analysis found that people with higher education were less likely to experience teeth that are worn out as time passes. In addition, this section of the population consume healthier food, but they also tend to have good habits of oral hygiene.
Additionally, wealthier people are less likely to suffer from other health issues, such as reflux disorder or diabetes that can make it difficult to maintain dental hygiene and treatment.
“Adults with lower socioeconomic status were more likely to have tooth wear due to poor diet, underlying medical conditions such as acid reflux, eating disorders or stress and depression as well as limited access to dental care,” Ahmed explains. Ahmed.
“Wealthier adults not only have a lower risk but also improved access to dental treatment resulting in early identification and intervention.”
But not all of the dental procedures that are prevalent nowadays are good for the long-term health of our chewers.
A number of studies from the meta-analysis showed that certain brushing practices, like the use of an electronic toothbrush or a brush with a hard-bristle are associated with higher wear on teeth in adults and not less as you’d think.
This implies that we must improve the way we communicate healthy dental practices to the public, even though more extensive first-hand research is required. The majority of studies on wear and tear that were included in the meta-analysis are conducted in high-income nations. Seven papers were from countries with lower relative incomes.
Additionally The majority of the studies in the review collected information mostly from adolescents so the findings may not accurately reflect the extent of the wear and wear as we get older.
Tooth wear measurement is also a difficult, as there are many studies that employ different methods of evaluation that make it difficult to evaluate.
The current review is an excellent review of the current research in the wear of teeth and their relationship to income, education, and social status. The results suggest that an individual’s socioeconomic standing can be an important risk factor for tooth problems later in life.
The next epidemiological study will have to study the relationship in greater detail in order to determine the reason why this association exists and which individuals are most at risk in the future.
In the end, protecting our teeth is the best and most affordable alternative.
