March 2011

Objectives: To describe the prevalence of non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs) and to assess the relative affects of risk factors on NCCLs in middle-aged and elderly people in Hubei Province, China. Design: A sample of 2,160 adults, aged 35-44 years and 65-74 years and balanced by age, gender, and urbanization, participated in the cross sectional epidemiological survey. Non-carious cervical lesions were examined using a modified Tooth Wear Index. Data were collected based on structured questionnaires that assessed general information as well as oral health. Results: The prevalence of non-carious cervical lesions was 38.8% for 35-44-year-olds and 56.6% for 65-74-year-olds. The first premolars, canines, and second premolars showed the highest prevalence of lesions, while the second molars demonstrated the least. Several risk factors such as age (OR=2.45, p<0.001), location (OR=1.68, p=0.001), frequency of toothbrushing (OR=1.33, p=0.016), bruxism (OR=1.37, p<0.001), and family income (OR=1.44, p<0.001) were found to be associated with lesion occurrence. Conclusions: The prevalence of non-carious cervical lesions was relatively high in the middle-aged and elderly persons in China and was also associated with socio-behavioural risk factors. Key words: China, non-carious cervical lesions, prevalence, risk factors