Abstract
BackgroundThe aim of this study was to assess the impact of diet and behavioural risk factors on caries appearance, and on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among Portuguese adolescents.Material and MethodsAn epidemiological study conducted on 782 adolescents between 11-17 years, from randomly selected public schools of the 3rd cycle of basic education. All participants were asked for self-perceived general status health, about tooth-brushing habits and about the using of toothpaste with fluoride and a Food Frequency Questionnaire. The DMFT index (decayed, missing and filled teeth) was evaluated according to WHO criteria. To evaluate the OHRQoL, the 49-items Oral Health Impact Profile questionnaire (OHIP-49) was applied.ResultsConsumption more than once a week of tea with sugar, milk with sugar and biscuits were significantly associated with DMFT index. Lower levels in OHRQoL was reported by students who consumed frequently (more than once a week) fast food, chocolate flakes and those who brushed their teeth once a day or less frequently instead of 2-3 times a day.ConclusionsFrequency of consumption of sweetened/fast food was a significant factor associated with caries and quality of life. Key words:Oral health-related quality of life, adolescent, diet, DMFT, epidemiology.
Highlights
Caries and periodontal disease are the main causes of oral diseases in industrialized countries
We hypothesized that good oral habits and a healthy diet should be associated with higher levels of oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), as a consequence of the better oral health
In addition to the lower levels of OHRQoL was reported by students who consumed frequently fast food, chocolate flakes and those who brushed their teeth once a day or less frequently instead of 2-3 times a day. This epidemiological study shows that the dietary habits influence on caries and on OHRQoL in Portuguese adolescents
Summary
Caries and periodontal disease are the main causes of oral diseases in industrialized countries. Epidemiological studies of oral health needs and exploring risk behaviours offer a basic tool for the planning of prevention, control and intervention programs [8]. The majority of these studies just use clinical measures. The objectives of this study were to assess the impact of diet and behavioural risk factors on caries and on OHRQoL among Portuguese adolescents. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of diet and behavioural risk factors on caries appearance, and on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among Portuguese adolescents. Conclusions: Frequency of consumption of sweetened/fast food was a significant factor associated with caries and quality of life
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