Dietary Habits and Dental Caries Occurrence Among Young Children: Does The Relationship Still Exist?
- Author:
AM Zahara
;
MT Nur Ili
;
NA Yahya
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Dental caries, dietary habits, sugary foods, sugary drinks, young children
- From:Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences
2013;9(1):9-20
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction: The role of diet in the aetiology of dental caries occurrence has been questioned recently.
Aim: This cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the relationship between dietary habits
and dental caries among 105 children aged 2 to 5 years old in Kuala Lumpur. Methodology: Subjects
were selected using convenient sampling method. Their body weight and height were measured and
their dental check-up was performed by qualified dental nurses. A Structured questionnaire and 3-day
food diaries were distributed to their parents/caretakers to obtain socio-demographic data, oral health
practice and dietary habits of the subjects. The dft (decayed, filled teeth) score was used to describe
dental caries incidence. Results: Caries was found in 36.6% subjects with mean dft score of 1.95±3.59
(range: 0-16). Energy (r=-0.334, p=0.008), carbohydrate (r=-0.353, p=0.005), fat (r=-0.325, p=0.01),
protein (r=-0.264, p=0.038), and calcium (r=-0.470, p<0.001) intake were significantly correlated
with dft score. The negative association between frequency of milk consumption and dental caries
was lost after other confounding factors were considered. Dental caries incidence was associated with
age of subjects started brushing their teeth (Adjusted OR=5.46, 95% CI=1.74 – 17.17). There was no
relationship between frequency of daily meals (p=0.800) and sugary food/drinks consumption (p=0.489)
with dental caries occurrence. Conclusion: Dental caries is prevalent among young children and related
with dietary factors and oral health practices. Therefore, healthy dietary habits and oral health practice
should be integrated in the oral health promotion targeted to parents/caregivers and young children in
order to improve their dental health status.
- Full text:P020150605319109340622.pdf
