Impact Of Dietary Habits And Snacking Frequency On Caries Experience Among Adolescents

Abstract

Background: Dental caries remains the most prevalent chronic oral disease among adolescents globally. While the relationship between sugar consumption and caries is well-established, the specific contributions of contemporary dietary patterns, snacking frequency, and food choices to caries experience in modern adolescent populations require further investigation given the rapidly evolving food environment. Objective: This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the association between dietary habits, snacking frequency, and types of snack foods consumed with caries experience among adolescents, and to identify independent dietary predictors of elevated caries levels. Methods: A total of 480 adolescents aged 12–17 years were recruited from six secondary schools. Dietary assessment was performed using a validated food frequency questionnaire and a three-day dietary diary. Clinical examination for caries was conducted using the DMFT/DMFS indices according to WHO criteria by calibrated examiners. Snacking frequency was categorized as low (≤1/day), moderate (2–3/day), or high (≥4/day). Data were analyzed using chi-square tests, one-way ANOVA, Spearman correlations, and multiple linear regression analysis. Results: The mean DMFT score for the entire sample was 3.84 ± 2.67. Adolescents with high snacking frequency demonstrated significantly greater mean DMFT scores (5.47 ± 2.89) compared with moderate (3.62 ± 2.41) and low (2.18 ± 1.78) snacking frequency groups (p < 0.001). Frequent consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (β = 0.284, p < 0.001), confectionery (β = 0.216, p < 0.001), and sticky carbohydrate snacks (β = 0.194, p = 0.002) were significant independent predictors of DMFT scores. Conversely, regular consumption of dairy products (β = −0.147, p = 0.008) and fresh fruits (β = −0.118, p = 0.024) demonstrated protective associations. Snacking frequency alone explained 18.4% of variance in DMFT scores, while the comprehensive dietary model explained 34.7%. Conclusion: Snacking frequency and the type of foods consumed between meals are significantly associated with caries experience in adolescents. Interventions targeting snacking behaviors and promoting healthier food choices represent important strategies for caries prevention in this population.