Association of Dietary Practices and Dental caries among adolescent in Lahore: A cross sectional survey

Abstract

Objective: This study was designed to determine the prevalence of dental caries (DMFT) in 15 years age children and to determine its association with dietary practices.
 Methodology: This study was conducted in the schools of Lahore having summer camp in July 2015. Study participants were 15 years old students attending summer camp by simple random technique. Written permission was taken before their examination and interview. Self-structure questionnaire was used to collect information regarding the dietary practices. DMFT index was used to measure dental caries. Data entered and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Data was assessed by percentage and frequency, descriptive part was used for demographic variables, and for dietary habits. Chi square test of association between dietary practices and dental caries was applied. P-value ≤0.05 was taken as significant.
 Results Total participants were sixty (n=60). Out of these 80% of the subjects of the study were males and remaining were females. Total 58.3% respondents were caries free in this study while caries positive were 41.7 %. Average DMFT score examined was 1.2. In Logistic Regression for the Prediction of Caries Status on Basis of Dietary Habits, three variables were usage of toffees, chocolates and sandwiches. These three played most important role in the production of caries status. Final regression model for calculating probability was Z= -10.665+1.479 Toffees+ 1.183 Chocolates+1.582Sandwiches.
 Conclusion: Findings of this study have shown that some of the dietary habits have significant relation with caries or tooth decay status like chewing gum, candies, soft drinks, sweets, toffees, chocolates and sandwiches have strong negative impact or relationship with teeth decay.