Erosive tooth wear: knowledge among young adults and their preferred information sources.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to learn more about levels of knowledge relating to erosive tooth wear and about the most desirable way of disseminating dental information among young adults.

METHODS: The research was a cross-sectional study of 331 young adults (20-25 years old) attending 25 dental care practices. Participants were asked to fill out a questionnaire with questions about their background, knowledge relating to erosive tooth wear and the preferred way of acquiring information about erosive tooth wear.

RESULTS: The results showed that there are gaps in the knowledge of young adults about erosive tooth wear. The knowledge score depended on educational level and dental information received in the past. The preferred way of acquiring information was chair side information from an oral health care professional complemented by tailored information in writing.

CONCLUSION: There is a lack of knowledge among young adults about erosive tooth wear. They prefer to receive information from the oral health care professionals accompanied by tailored information in writing. Further research should focus on developing this tailored information in line with the advice given by the oral health care professional. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.