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.