Diet and dietary habbits of enat primary school students to Assess the risk factor for dental caries, addis ababa, ethiopia

Abstract

BACKGROUND: -Although the decline in tooth decay in many developed countries has been largely linked to fluoride exposure and improved dental hygiene, eating habits still affect the risk of tooth decay. In developingcountries the change from traditional lifestyle has led to an increase in sugar consumption from food and beverages, the prevalence of disease affecting oral cavity especially tooth decay is increasing as shown by few previous studies. While intake of refined sugar products taking the large share among the three main factors in oral health that is diet (substrate), microorganism and host(susceptible tooth) Objective:-the main objective is to assess diet and dietary habits as risk factor for establishment of dental caries in Enat primary school students, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2013 Method:-a cross sectional study was conducted in Enat primary school students, the study was conducted in Enat primary school on a sample size of 492Students; was selected by random sampling technique. The data was conducted by a structured question format through face to face interviewing technique. And was coded and analyzed by using SPSS ll computer program. Depending on the result appropriate interpretation, discussion, conclusion and recommendation is made. Results:-the result of this study shows that 42.5% of the respondents snack foods between meals more than three times a week and 21.2% were using every day. 83.6% of the respondents were taking honey once a day and 76.7%,48.6%,46.6%,40.4% of the respondents were taking candy, chewing gums, chocolate and biscuit three to six times per week respectively. 87% of the respondents used sweet foods between meals and only 13% of them did not use. This study shows that the students should be given oral health education at the school