Comparative evaluation of the influence of television advertisements on children and caries prevalence

Abstract

IntroductionChildren watch television during most of their free time. They are exposed to advertisers’ messages and are vulnerable to sophisticated advertisements of foods often detrimental to oral and general health.ObjectivesTo evaluate the influence of television advertisements on children, the relationship with oral health and to analyze the content of those advertisements.MethodologyA questionnaire-based study was performed among 600 schoolchildren of Mangalore, Karnataka, followed by oral examination. Based on the survey, favorite and non-favorite channels and viewing times were analyzed. Advertisements on children’s favorite and non-favorite channels were then viewed, analyzed, and compared.ResultsHigher caries prevalence was found among children who watched television and asked for more food and soft drinks. Cariogenic food advertisements were popular on children’s favorite channels.ConclusionTelevision advertisements may strongly influence children’s food preferences and eating habits, resulting in higher caries prevalence. Advertisements regarding healthy food, oral hygiene maintenance, prevention of diseases such as caries should be given priority for the benefit of the health of children.

The influence of television on the food habits of schoolchildren and its association with dental caries

“…The study demonstrated a strong association between the daily time spent by schoolchildren watching TV and outcomes. Schoolchildren who indicated that they watched TV for more than 90 min were more likely to consume cariogenic foods and have a higher rates of caries, which corroborates the findings of other studies showing that greater time spent watching TV is associated with the risk of developing dental caries(Ghimire & Rao, ; Zeng, Sheiham, & Sabbah, ). Moreover, most participants reported buying or asking their parents to buy products viewed in TV advertisements, with most products referring to food.…”

The short-term effects of television advertisements of cariogenic foods on children’s dietary choices

“…observed that children who watched more TV had worse oral hygiene and consumed larger amounts of soft drinks compared with children who watched less TV. Ghimire and Rao found that children who like to watch TV advertisements, and especially those who pester their parents to buy them the foods advertised, have a higher DMFT index.…”

Comparison of the Source of Introduction to Cariogenic Food Substance and Caries Prevalence in Children

“…The commercialization of children's television programs, banners, and posters are the several concerns raised by child health professionals, regarding the impact of advertisements on children's wellbeing [6]. The current study was done to evaluate the influence of television advertisements, comics/magazines and banners/ posters on children and the impact on oral health.…”