Occupational exposure to acidic chemicals and occupational dental erosion

Abstract

Objective: This study investigated the association between occupational acidic chemicals (ACs) exposure and occupational dental erosion. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in which three dentists surveyed 951 subjects from 42 factories using five types of ACs below Korean Threshold Limit Values (K-TLVs). Subjects agreed to participate by a written consent; 519 were acid exposed workers and 431 were non-exposed. The modified ten Bruggen Cate's criteria was used to classify erosion. Length and type of exposure to ACs were assessed using questionnaires. Logistic regression analysis including interaction terms was applied. Results: ACs exposure was associated with erosion severity. Multiple exposures to ACs were found to be strongly associated with severe erosion. Interaction between wearing masks and AC exposure was significant. Conclusions: This study showed a clear association between AC exposure below K-TLVs and erosion. Hence, the authors propose to lower K-TLVs of five types of ACs.