Dietary Habits and their Relation to Dental Caries Among Children Attending Khartoum Teaching Dental Hospital

Abstract

The aim of this study is to describe dietary habits and dental caries among children attending Khartoum Teaching Dental Hospital during the period February to April 2010. Study sample was 150 children males and females selected randomly, using case finding method. Data was collected through personal interviews and field visits, through specified questionnaire designed by the researcher. Data were analyzed using computerize statistical package for social science (SPSS) version (12). The important results revealed that dental caries was most prevalent among (75%) of children attending the hospital and (48%) had ages range between 7-10 years. (70%) had educational level was basic school education. As for dietary habits the study revealed that the majority (76%) had been breastfed, (80%) took energy rich foods mainly sugars and sweets daily. (91%) took snacks mainly junky foods such as chips, sweets and artificial juices more than twice per day. Regarding dental health care (97.5%) used water only to clean their teeth after meals, (63.33%) brushed their teeth once per day. (91%) of parents reported that dental caries disease had been prevalent in the family history. Based on results of the study relevant recommendations were formulated. The most important were:  Researchers whether, dental professional or social work researchers should be encourage to carry out studies in the areas of dental health, nutrition and dietary habits relationship in order to ensure an adequate statistical data.  Parents should be encouraged to seek oral health and nutrition knowledge from nutritionists and professional dentists. Health education courses in (nutrition and dental hygiene) should be included in basic school curricula (syllabus).