[Acid mist occupational exposure and oral disease: a review].

This study is a review of published research findings on the oral effects of occupational exposure to acid mists. A literature search was conducted on MEDLINE, LILACS, SciELO, BBO, and DEDALUS, identifying eight articles and a doctoral dissertation focusing on this association. Findings were consistent with a positive association between occupational exposure to acid mists and dental erosion, according to the literature published since 1919. Studies on the association between acid mist exposure in the workplace and periodontal disease, or oral mucous lesions, were more recent and scarce, and their findings remain controversial. Several methodological drawbacks were observed, such as small sampling size and poorly developed analysis, as exemplified by little or no attention to confounding variables. These findings support the relevance of this research area and the need for improved research design. They also highlight the importance of considering oral health as a component of workers' health in effective preventive programs.