Variation of posterior approximal caries incidence with consumption of sweets with regard to other caries‐related factors in15–18‐year‐olds

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze the relationships between caries incidence and a number of caries-related factors in 15-18-yr-olds, in order to estimate the explanatory value of consumption of sweets under different conditions. Sixty-nine 18-yr-olds were interviewed about consumption of sweets and other sugar-containing products during the past 3 yr. Data on oral hygiene, salivary counts of mutans streptococci and lactobacilli, salivary flow rate and oral sugar clearance time were collected when the individuals were 15 and 18 yr old. Caries incidence for the 3-yr period was expressed as a percentage of the number of caries-free approximal surfaces of premolars and molars at the age of 15. Simple linear correlations between caries incidence and the different variables showed that lactobacilli count ranked first (r = 0.26), sweets second (r = 0.25), and mutans streptococci count third (r = 0.24). The r value for caries incidence and consumption of sweets increased in subgroups with combinations of poor oral hygiene, a high intake of other sugary products and a low salivary flow rate (r = 0.67-0.70). In conclusion, consumption of sweets should still be considered an important caries-related factor and particularly harmful when oral hygiene is poor and consumption of other sugary products is high.

Dietary effects on dental diseases

“…Bjarnason et al 87 in a detailed dietary study of 12±13 year-olds in Iceland showed that there was a higher incidence of caries surfaces with frequent intake of buns and cakes with meals and confectionery. These findings were confirmed in a 3 year longitudinal study of Swedish 15±18 year olds 88 . The correlation between sweet consumption and the incidence of posterior approximal caries was 0.25.…”

Detection of oral streptococci in dental biofilm from caries-active and caries-free children

“…These findings are in accordance with Sundin et al (23) who also found a weak or non-existent relationship between these variables. However, Ravald and Birkhed (20) demonstrated that individuals with low salivary flow rate have a higher predisposition to cariogenic activity.…”

Diet, nutrition and the prevention of dental diseases

“…Sundin 91 monitored caries development in a group of Swedish children from repeated cross-sectional data and found a strong correlation between caries increment and the consumption of sweets. The relationship was strongest for those with poor (þ0.51) compared with good oral hygiene (þ 0.11).…”

“…A higher caries incidence was associated with consumption of sweets and cakes at mealtimes and with frequency of confectionery consumption. In a study of longitudinal design, Sundin et al 91 found that frequency of consumption of sweets was an important caries-related factor in Swedish teenagers. Caries incidence over a 3 year period was significantly related to frequency of intake of confectionery (r ¼ þ0.25) and the relationship was stronger for teenagers with poor oral hygiene and a low salivary flow rate (r ¼ þ0.7).…”