Assessing the Knowledge of Dietitians Regarding Diet and Oral Health in Bangalore, India

Abstract

Background: Diet and oral health have a synergistic bidirectional relationship. As a body of knowledge, dietetics, and nutrition has expanded to touch all segments of health care. Collaboration between dietetics and dental professionals is recommended for oral health promotion and disease prevention and intervention.Aim: To assess the knowledge of dietitians regarding diet and oral health in Bangalore, India.Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. A close ended, self-administered 23 item questionnaire was distributed and collected after ten minutes. The data was subjected to statistical analysis. Settings: Different sectors like multi-specialty hospitals, private clinics, educational institutions. Subjects: All the life members of Indian Dietetic Association, Bangalore chapter.Results: 36% felt dietary supplements can prevent oral mucosal diseases and only 12% were aware that high content of fluoride in water leads to abnormal tooth defects. Overall knowledge of dietitians pertaining diet and oral health was 56.48%.Conclusion: Study highlights the deficiency of knowledge of dietitians regarding oral health. The multifaceted interactions between diet and oral health in practice, education and research in both dietetics and dentistry merit detailed delineation.