Dietary Habits and Oral Hygiene as Determinants of the Incidence and Intensity of Dental Caries—A Pilot Study

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the influence of dietary and hygiene habits on the prevalence and intensity of dental caries. A group of 148 adults participated in the study. Methods: A self-administered nutrition and oral hygiene questionnaire was used to assess dietary habits and oral hygiene routine. A preventive diet index (PDI), a cariogenic diet index (CDI), and an oral health hygiene and prevention index (OHHPI) were created based on part of the questions. The intensity of dental caries among the respondents was investigated by the decayed, missing, and filled teeth index (DMFT), which was estimated on the basis of data obtained during the dental examination. Results: The study showed that 97% of the respondents had filled carious cavities, while untreated carious cavities were observed in up to 78% of the study participants. The respondents had an average consumption of preventive products and a low consumption of caries-stimulating foods. The preventive dietary index (PDI) value was higher in the female group than in the male group. A more frequent consumption of caries-inhibiting products was demonstrated by those declaring that they took various types of dietary supplements. The use of health-promoting sugar substitutes by the respondents was associated with a lower intensity of dental caries and a more frequent consumption of preventive products. Conclusions: The analysis of the survey results indicates the need to implement educational activities aimed at increasing public awareness of the prevalence of dental caries among adults.

Maternal Diet Associates with Offspring Bone Mineralization, Fracture Risk and Enamel Defects in Childhood and Influences the Prenatal Effect of High-Dose Vitamin D Supplementation

“…To our knowledge, no study has examined the relationship between dietary patterns during pregnancy and offspring dental health, although there have been a few on children [38,39] and adult populations [40,41].…”

An Observation Study of Caries Experience and Potential Risk Assessments among Disabled Individuals Living in an Institutional Rehabilitation Centre

“…This process aids in assessing the probability of new caries lesions that may occur in the future [15]. Dental caries is a disease caused by bacteria, plaque on teeth, eating habits, and more [16,17]. Preventive measures vary based on individual factors.…”

Non-Cariogenic Effect of Milk and Dairy Products on Oral Health in Children and Adolescents: A Scoping Review

“…Although the role of bacteria in the development of a carious lesion is crucial, dental caries is considered a multifactorial disease [9], leading researchers to explore the intricate relationship between dietary habits and oral health [10,11]. In this field, milk and dairy products (DPs) are considered an essential part of the human diet, especially in children and adolescents, as they not only provide sufficient nutrients and energy, but also have beneficial effects on dental and oral health, including hard tissue remineralization, salivary flow stimulation, oral microbiota and immune response regulation, thus directly or indirectly influencing caries susceptibility [12].…”