Association of Dental Caries and Sugar Consumption in Children Aged 5-12 Visiting Hospital in District Peshawar

Abstract

Background and Objectives:

Dental caries, a prevalent chronic disease, significantly affects children worldwide, leading to discomfort and impacting their quality of life. This study attempts to look at the link children's dental cavities and sugar intake aged 5-12 years visiting a hospital in the Peshawar district, Pakistan.

Methodology:

This observational cross-sectional study included 200 children from the dental outpatient department of a major hospital in Peshawar. Clinical examinations assessed dental caries using standardized WHO diagnostic criteria. Data on sugar consumption and other variables were collected through dietary surveys and structured questionnaires. Statistical analysis was performed to look at the association between sugar intake and dental caries, controlling for potential confounding factors.

Results:

The study found a high prevalence of dental caries (68%) among the participants, with an average daily sugar intake of 50 grams, significantly higher than WHO recommendations. There was a notable positive association found between the severity of dental caries and sugar consumption (p < 0.001). An increased incidence of dental caries was shown to be independently correlated with higher sugar consumption (OR = 2.5, 95% CI: 1.8-3.4).

Conclusion: 

The findings highlight the critical role of dietary sugars in initiating dental caries among children in Peshawar. Public health interventions are urgently needed to reduce sugar intake, promote better oral hygiene practices, and improve access to preventive dental care services. These measures are essential for lowering the burden of dental caries and improving the overall well-being of children in the region.