Prevalence of Non-carious Cervical Lesions and Associated Risk Indicators in Middle-aged and Elderly Populations in Southern China

Objective: To explore the prevalence of NCCL and associated risk indicators in 35- to 44-year-olds and 65- to 74-year-olds from both urban and suburban districts of Guangzhou, Southern China. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on NCCL with a sample of 768 35- to 44-year-olds and 991 65- to 74-year-olds, and the Tooth wear index was applied to record the tooth wear. Data on socioeconomic status, health behaviour and general health condition were obtained from a structured questionnaire. Results: The prevalence of NCCL was 76.8% and 81.3% in middle-aged and elderly populations, respectively. The results from the analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) demonstrated that for the 35- to 44-year-olds, those who were male, older, living in the suburban district and used toothpicks frequently, they tended to have more teeth with NCCL. Men, who were aged between 65 and 74 years old, who used toothpicks frequently, drank vinegar beverages, ate hard food and had not visited a dentist in a year; tended to have more teeth with NCCL. Conclusion: NCCL was very common amongst middle-aged and elderly populations in South China. Older men who had unhealthy oral habits like using toothpicks, eating hard food and drinking vinegar beverages tended to have more teeth with NCCL. Oral health education would benefit those at risk. Keywords: non-carious cervical lesions, prevalence, risk indicator