Correlation between consumption of sugared beverages and caries incidence in the pediatric patient

BACKGROUND: Dental caries still represents a major public health problem, as it is the most widespread noncommunicable disease. The enamel of deciduous teeth is less resistant than permanent dentition and for this reason demineralization, and consequent caries formation, progresses more rapidly. The purpose of this study is to investigate the correlation between the incidence of caries and intake of sugary drinks in pediatric patients. METHODS: The study included 526 subjects (295 males, 231 females) between the ages of 2 and 15 years old. Several variables were examined, including: gender, age, separate values of the decay missing filled teeth (DMFT) epidemiological index (for both deciduous and permanent dentition), quantity and quality of sugary drinks taken daily, daily brushing frequency, parental nationality and socio-economic status. A multivariate analysis conducted (using a simple linear regression model) to verify the association between soft drink consumption and DMF, including a series of confounding variables (namely, sex, brushing frequency and parents' nationality). RESULTS: From the results of the statistical analysis of the variables examined, a correlation between the incidence of caries in children aged between 2 and 14 years and brushing frequency, consumption of sugary drinks and parents' nationality was found. CONCLUSIONS: It is important to raise awareness and properly inform patients and healthcare colleagues about the importance of oral health. Taking good care of our oral health represents part of implementation of the lifestyle and the quality of life of the future generations.