[(Erosive) tooth wear in children and adolescents in the Netherlands: how big is the problem?]

According to international research, the prevalence of (erosive) tooth wear among children and adolescents has grown steadily in recent decades. The question was whether this also applies to the Netherlands and what changes in consumption patterns may play a role in this development. From 1998 up to and including 2011, 9 studies have been carried out on the prevalence of (erosive) tooth wear among the young. A meta-analysis of these studies reveals that an increase has also taken place in the Netherlands. Furthermore, a tendency was found for greater prevalence with increasing age. It is generally assumed that changes in the supply of food and drink and therefore consumption patterns have been a major reason for this increase in children and adolescents. However, longitudinal studies, in which both the prevalence and incidence of (erosive) tooth wear are investigated, are needed to support these assumptions. Such studies are, however, scarce and, moreover, the results show no consistent picture.