The Contribution of Dietary Factors to Dental Caries and Disparities in Caries

Abstract

Frequent consumption of simple carbohydrates, primarily in the form of dietary sugars is significantly associated with increased dental caries risk. Malnutrition (under or over nutrition) in children is often a consequence of inappropriate infant and childhood feeding practices and dietary behaviors associated with limited access to fresh, nutrient dense foods substituting instead, high-energy low cost and nutrient poor sugary and fatty foods. Lack of availability of quality food stores in rural and poor neighborhoods, food insecurity, and changing dietary beliefs resulting from acculturation including changes in traditional ethnic eating behaviors, can further deter healthful eating and increase risk for Early Childhood Caries and obesity. America is witnessing substantial increases in children and ethnic minorities living in poverty, widening the gap in oral health disparities noted in the Surgeon General's Report, Oral Health in America. Dental and other care providers can educate and counsel pregnant women, parents and families to promote healthy eating behaviors and should advocate for governmental policies and programs that decrease parental financial and educational barriers to achieving healthy diets. For families living in poverty, however, greater efforts are needed to facilitate access to affordable healthy foods, particularly in urban and rural neighborhoods in order to effect positive changes in children's diets and advance the oral components of general health.

The perceptions of first nation participants in a community oral health initiative

“…Children learned to identify cariogenic foods, a significant improvement since children with healthy diets are less likely to develop severe dental caries compared to children with poor dietary practices [15,16]. Parents attributed their children’s improved oral hygiene habits to the efforts of the local dental therapist and COHI Aide.…”

Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (Kap) Regarding Early Childhood Caries among Nurses Working in a Low Socio-Economic Area

“…It is however imperative that the importance of oral hygiene measures after feeds be stressed. When it comes to general dietary advice, health care workers can also provide parents with information regarding healthy eating patterns and food choices [19]. All participants agreed that diet plays a role in dental health and that parents should be counseled about their child's diet.…”

Prediksi Risiko Karies Baru Berdasarkan Konsumsi Pempek pada Anak Usia 1112 Tahun Di Palembang (Tinjauan dengan Cariogram)

“…Peningkatan frekuensi makan seseorang akan berdampak pada paparan asam menjadi lama, apabila seseorang mengkonsumsi karbohidrat menyebabkan pH kritis (5,5) selama 40 menit, bila mengkonsumsi 5 kali menyebabkan paparan asam 200 menit (5 kali makan x 40 menit = 200 menit). 16,14 Bakteri menjadi urutan prediksi yang ketiga. Penilaian bakteri diambil dari banyaknya plak.…”