Abstract: Objective · To describe and analyze the epidemiological status of dental erosion in 3- to 5-year-old children in Shanghai. Methods · A cluster, multi-stage random sampling method was applied to 3- to 5-year-old children in Shanghai. Clinical oral examination was performed, and the status of dental erosion was evaluatedOSullivan index, including the involved tooth position, surface and severity. Descriptive analysis was applied for the prevalence of dental erosion and the distribution of tooth position and surface. Results · A total of 1 148 children aged 3 to 5 years old in Shanghai were randomly selected. Among them, 168 children suffered dental erosion, and the prevalence of dental erosion in the sample was 14.6%. A total of 102 males (17.3%) and 66 females (11.8%) showed the condition of dental erosion. The ratio of male and female was 1:0.68, and the prevalence of dental erosion in the male was significantly higher than that in the female (χ26.972, P0.008). The upper second deciduous molar in the dentition was most likely involved (8.6%) and the lower later incisor was least involved (1.7%). The surface of occlusal or incisal surface was more likely involved (37.1%). With regard to the severity of dental erosion, the loss of horizontal enamel was more common (58.4%). Conclusion · The prevalence of dental erosion in the 3- to 5-year-old children in Shanghai is relatively high and it is necessary to raise the awareness of dental erosion prevention.

Key words: dental erosion, OSullivan index, epidemiological survey, children