by
Geraldine Bungaoen, DDM | Ma. Lourdes Cantor, DDM
College of Dentistry
ABSTRACT
This study focuses on the relationship between caries experience and the frequency of intake of simple, complex, and added carbohydrates. A total of 73 preschool children enrolled during the school year 2004-2005 at Upper Irisan and San Carlos daycare centers participated in the study. The standardized deft (decayed, exfoliated, and filled teeth) recording form was utilized to determine the caries experience of the preschool children. An interview guide / checklist was used to determine the extent of carbohydrate intake of the children in terms of type and frequency. The parents/ guardians were also interviewed to confirm the responses of the children. The preschool children involved in this study had moderate caries experience. The moderate level of caries experience of the preschool children shows that at an early age, their primary teeth have already experienced dental caries. Age and mother’s occupation affect the caries experience of the children. The younger children (aged 2-5), had lower caries experience. Mothers who were unemployed or stayed at home were the ones who had children with very high caries experience. The positive correlation between caries experience and carbohydrate intake shows that the more frequent the intake of carbohydrates, the higher the caries experience on primary teeth. It was further proven by this study that the more frequent the intake of simple and added carbohydrates, the higher the caries experience.
| Published December 3, 2012 |
Issue UB RJ Vol. XXIX, No. 1 2005 |
