1Department of Food Technology and Nutritional Science, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Santosh, Tangail
2Institute of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Dhaka
3Dentist, Eminent Dental, Dhaka
4Department of Food Technology and Nutritional Science, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Santosh, Tangail
5Professor, Institute of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Dhaka
*Email: arif21mbstu@gmail.com
Online published on 26 December, 2014.
Childhood is the most important period that deals with several dental problems like dental caries, pulpits, gingivitis etc mainly from 6th to 12th years of age. A descriptive type of cross sectional study was carried out and Oral examination was done to identify dental diseases among 123 participants. The objective of the study was to assess the prevalence of dental diseases and to find out the relationship between dental diseases and the regular food intake pattern of children aged 6–11 years in Dhaka city. They were interviewed through a structured questionnaire for collecting relevant information. Result shows that the most prevalent dental disease among this age group was dental caries (52.8%) which was found to be decreased with the increase of age (p value = 0.005). Any type of dental disease was significantly related to consumption of excessive carbohydrate in daily meal (p value = 0.03). Those, who consume more than 300g of carbohydrate and sticky food, were the victim of dental diseases and it was found to be 78.9%. Dental diseases were found to be high in higher economic group where consumption of the foods which are responsible for dental disease were high (p value = 0.001). In the study 90.2% children were found to be slept while fed of which 47.2% were suffered from dental caries. Only 13.8% used paste or powder containing Ca &/or F had less disease percentage (p value = 0.002). Fluoride water and vitamins minerals supplementation decrease the probability of dental diseases. Proper nutritional status had also a positive role in the prevention of dental diseases. Following the correct manner of tooth brushing, changing brush within time and brushing tooth 2 times daily, low-sugar diets and early dental visits for check-ups and regular fluoride applications result a huge change in dental problems. The results of this study indicate that children's and parents attitudes toward oral health and dental care need to be improved. Comprehensive oral health educational programs for both children and their parents are required to achieve this goal.
Food Behavior, Oral health, Dental Problems, Children, Diet, Dhaka
