Prevalence of Dental Caries among Junk Food- and Non-junk Food-eating Schoolchildren in Urban and Rural Areas of Mayiladuthurai, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

Background: Dental caries is a multifactorial disease. Diet plays an important role in the nutritional status and individual development. Migration of people from rural areas and urbanization cause a change in the lifestyle and dietary habits which in turn affects oral health. Aim: To assess the prevalence of dental caries in junk food-and non-junk food-eating school students among urban and rural schoolchildren in Mayiladuthurai. Objective: To identify the role of dietary habits (type of diet, skipping meals, snacking between meals, and frequency of visits to fast-food restaurants) in occurrence and severity of caries. Materials and methods: In this study, a total of 174 participants were considered, and among them 59 are rural schoolchildren and 115 are urban schoolchildren. Assessment of dental caries based on modern foods was done. A questionnaire was prepared to check the frequency of foods and the student's responses were marked. Results: Among 59 rural schoolchildren, 80% have caries and 20% have no caries. Among 115 urban students, 84% have caries and 16% have no caries. Compared to rural schoolchildren, urban schoolchildren are more affected by dental caries. Conclusion: This study was done to reduce the risk of caries by eliminating the intake of cariogenic food. Our study shows the risk of caries was high among urban schoolchildren.

Fast Food Consumption and Dental Caries among Teenagers

“…It also lacks proteins, vitamins, minerals, and fiber [3]. Diet and nutrition impact oral cavity growth, health, and disease development, affecting tooth integrity, pH, saliva, and plaque makeup [4,5]. The frequency, with which cariogenic foods are consumed, particularly between meals, is strongly related to the risk of tooth decay [6].…”