Hoshang Rumi Sukhia.
Relationship of Dietary intake and oral health.
Pak Oral Dental J Jan ;22(1):55-8.

The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between the caries experience of children and their tooth brushing and dietary habits. METHODS: A total of 83 children aged between 6-11 years were examined orally in the presence of their parents. All the initial examination, the birthday, gender, height, weight and child`s history of previous dental experience were recorded. The frequency of dental visits and the type of oral treatment procedures were recorded, i.e., scaling, extractions or restorative fillings etc. Tooth brushing habits and the number of decayed teeth were noted. All examinations were performed with the child seated in the dental chair using an overhead light, explorer and mouth mirror. The patients were provided a chart (Diet Record Intake Chart) in the presence of the parents to record the food and liquid intake with the time and quantity indicated on the chart for 3 consecutive days. RESULTS: Incidence of occlusal caries was far greater than the other types. Teeth mostly affected by the caries attack in the group were the primary molars followed by the newly erupted were the primary molars followed by the newly erupted permanent molars. Females demonstrated higher anxiety levels than males in relation to dental treatment procedures. Most common oral habit remained pencil biting and nail biting in the school age group. Females inculcated tooth brushing habit earlier than boys. Males had a tendency to develop pit and fissure caries whilst females had an increased percentage of smooth surface caries.

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