| Abstract |
Objective: Dietary habits play a lion role for maintenance of good oral health and development of dental caries. This study was done to survey dietary habits of school going children of 6-16 year old residing in West Bengal. Materials and Methods: A total of 1000 children of 6-16 years age group, in standard one to senior secondary classes were examined over a 2 months period (camp frequency 1-2 times/wk) using World Health Organization criteria (1997) to record the prevalence of dental caries along with their history of dietary habits. The treatment needs were also calculated according to that given criteria. Results: Test of proportion showed that higher proportion of students taken chocolate, candy, biscuits, puffed rice was statistically significant (p<0.0001) which are the high risk factor for caries. Distribution of cheese, which is low risk factor for caries, was statistically significant (p<0.0001). Distribution of cold drinks which is the high risk factor for caries was statistically significant (p<0.0001). Conclusion: In this study children take their snacks like plain milk, chocolate, candy etc. much more than cheese, tea and milk etc. as it is statistically significant. They also take their snacks more while watching T.V than just before sleeping. This habit is deleterious to oral structures including teeth. Child oral health is always a matter of concern for a developing country so further research is required to explore actual cause.
KEYWORDS: Dietary habits, school going children |
