IADR Abstract Archives

Soft drink consumption, relationship with tooth decay among adolescents, Dar-es-salaam

Background: High consumption of soft drinks is associated with high caries rate. Aim: This study was conducted to investigate the pattern and prevalence of soft drink consumption and occurrence of dental caries among adolescents aged 8-17 years in Dar-Es-Salaam, Tanzania Methods: The study included 400 adolescents. Participants were interviewed on the frequency and amount of soft drinks consumption. Examination for dental caries was done with the participants seated on office chairs facing natural day light. Caries was scored according to Pitts et al, (1988) and WHO criteria. Data was analyzed using SPSS program. Results: 70.5% males and 29.5% females participated in the study. The prevalence of juice and soda consumption was 68.3% and 61.3% respectively. While soda was consumed once a week, juice was consumed daily by most students. Soda consumption was more prevalent among government school students while juice was in students from private schools. 15.3% of the participants had a DMFT of 1 with the right permanent molar most affected. Females and private school students had more decayed, missing and/or filled teeth compared to males and government school students respectively. Students whose mothers were educated only to primary level consumed less juice and soda and had lower DMFT compared to children whose mothers were educated to secondary or higher. Furthermore, students who drank from a straw had lesser caries compared to those who drank directly from a bottle/ glass. Subjects who consumed one bottle/glass of soda/juice per day had less caries compared to those who consumed more than one glass/bottle. However, these differences were not statistically significant. Conclusion: The study showed that prevalence of soft drinks consumption (61.5%) among adolescents in Tanzania is high and compares to that of western populations. However, soft drinks do not pose a threat to dental caries in Tanzanian children.
East and Southern Africa Division
2010 East and Southern Africa Division (Dar es Salaam, Tanzania)
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
2010

Scientific Groups
  • Dhirani, Sakina  ( Muhimbili University, Dar es Salaam, N/A, Tanzania )
  • Kahabuka, Febronia Kokulengya  ( University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, N/A, Tanzania )
  • Oral Health Research