THE RELATION BETWEEN SUGAR CONTAINING SNACKS, TOOTH BRUSHING AND DMFT IN CHILDREN AGED 3-12 YEARS OLD ATTENDING QUEEN RANIA CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL, JORDAN

Abstract

The objectives of this study were: (1) - to assess the relationship between consumption of sugar containing snacks, drinks and DMFT of children aged 3-12 years. (2) - to determine the relationship between frequency of tooth brushing per week and DMFT of children aged 3-12 years.

A total of 100 children aged 3-12-year-old, with no identified medical problem attending Queen Rania Children’s Hospital-Jordan were included in the study. Data was collected through a questionnaire completed by interviewing the parents. Questionnaire contained information regarding the gender, age, weekly average consumption of sugar containing snacks and drinks, weekly average number of tooth brushing. DMFT was scored through a clinical examination carried out by a pediatric dentist.

Positive correlation was found between frequency of consumption of sugars containing snacks, drinks and DMFT. There was a negative correlation between frequency of tooth brushing per week and DMFT.