Introduction
Oral hygiene stands as a cornerstone of overall health, and the nexus between dietary habits and oral well-being has become increasingly apparent. Nutrition is an integral component of oral health, there is a continuous synergy between nutrition and the integrity of the oral cavity in health and disease.1 Poor nutritional status can adversely affect oral health and poor oral health can influence dietary intake and subsequently lead to malnutrition and oral health can play a crucial role in maintaining good nutrition. 2
In our fast-paced lifestyles, the ubiquity of fast food has soared, prompting a critical examination of its impact on oral health. Frequent consumption of simple carbohydrates, primarily in the form of dietary sugars, is significantly associated with increased dental caries risk 3 also the evidence shows that sugars are undoubtedly the most important dietary factor—and the factor studied most often—in the development of dental caries. 4
Bacteria that causes oral disease are affected by water intake, there is a strong relationship between water intake and oral disease. 5 Xerostomia causes the oral mucous membrane to become dry and fragile. Dentures are not well tolerated by this mucosa thereby causing loss of taste due to degeneration of the taste buds. 6
Understanding the correlation between fast-food consumption and oral health is imperative for fostering awareness and promoting healthier dietary choices.
Beyond dietary considerations, habits like smoking and tobacco use causes a whole series of oral health problems, ranging from life-threatening (precancerous changes leading to oral cancer) and serious (periodontal disease, teeth decay) to social (bad breath).7 The deleterious effects of these habits on oral tissues underscore the intricate relationship between lifestyle choices and oral hygiene.
Furthermore, the frequency of snacking, particularly on sugary treats, poses an additional challenge to oral health. The consistent exposure of teeth to sweetened juices were associated with primary and permanent dental caries. 8
This survey seeks to delve into the multifaceted relationship between nutrition, fast-food consumption, sugar intake, smoking, tobacco use, and snacking habits, unravelling their collective impact on oral hygiene. By elucidating these interconnected factors, we aspire to provide valuable insights for individuals, healthcare professionals, and policy makers alike. Armed with this knowledge, we can develop targeted strategies to promote preventive measures and cultivate healthier behaviours, thereby contributing to enhanced oral health within our communities.
Materials and Methods
Study design and population
This survey employed a cross-sectional study design conducted in India. The study population comprised people of various age groups and of different states of India. The cross-sectional approach allowed for a snapshot assessment of the current awareness among people regarding influence of diet on oral health.
Questionnaire
A comprehensive questionnaire comprising 10 questions was developed to collect data on various aspects of oral hygiene practices. The questionnaire was administered through Google Forms, facilitating efficient and standardized data collection. Questions covered topics such as consumption of sugar, frequency of snacking, water consumption, types of beverages preferred, water intake, habits such as smoking and tobacco, teeth showing decay, gum diseases, and teeth sensitivity.
Statistical analysis
Data obtained from the Google Forms responses were subjected to thorough statistical analysis. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages, were employed to summarize the demographic characteristics and key variables related to oral hygiene practices.
Table 1
Survey analysis
Table 2
Tea/Coffee/ Beverage
|
|
Age Group |
|
|
||||||
|
Tea/Coffee/ Beverage |
12-20 |
21-30 |
31-40 |
41-50 |
51-60 |
61-70 |
71-80 |
Grand Total |
Percentage |
|
1-2 |
25 |
54 |
3 |
10 |
2 |
|
3 |
97 |
59.51% |
|
2-3 |
9 |
21 |
12 |
2 |
3 |
|
|
47 |
28.83% |
|
Above 3 |
4 |
6 |
3 |
2 |
3 |
1 |
|
19 |
11.66% |
Results
The study indicates that among the population that participated 50% showed vegetarian diet preference and milk consumption was seen in maximum of participating population (75%). Maximum amount of beverage was consumed by the age group of 21-30 years with 50% of them consumed 1-2 cups. 53.26% of participating population consumed 2 tablespoon of sugar. The amount of gum diseases and decayed teeth were seen more the age group of 21-30.
Discussion
The study's findings illuminate substantial variations in oral health practices among individuals aged 15 and above, shedding light on the impact of diet on oral well-being. Using a cross-sectional study design provided a snapshot of dietary habits across different age groups, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of observed variations. Noteworthy differences emerged in dietary choices, frequency of consumption, and the impact on oral health indicators. It was observed that adolescents had an unhealthy beverage intake pattern 9 which causes changes in the enamel surface which could be observed, as well as decreases in hardness due to the acidic environment within the mouth 10 also there is a consensus that carbohydrates, especially dietary sugars, determine whether caries develops or not. 11
From traditional food items to modern dietary patterns, participants exhibited a wide spectrum of preferences, emphasizing the importance of recognizing individual dietary habits in designing interventions for oral health.
Diet is a major aetiological factor for dental caries and enamel erosion, and nutritional status impacts on the development of the teeth and the host’s resistance to many oral conditions, including periodontal diseases and oral cancer. 12
Nutrition affects the teeth during development and malnutrition may exacerbate periodontal and oral infectious diseases 13 therefore the revealed trends deserves attention in public health initiatives. Cigarette smoking initiates and leads to progression of periodontitis which eventually leads to loss of teeth. 14
Due to ingestion of large amounts of alcohol there is marked presence of dental erosion which is due to subclinical regurgitation because of chronic gastritis. Bruxism due to alcohol consumption results in stimulation of the brainstem reticuloactivatory system producing masseteric muscle contractions during rapid eye movement in sleep. This mechanism produces attrition, i.e. with flat wear facets on the surfaces of opposing teeth which actually contact each other in some excursion of the mandible. 15
Despite certain dietary preferences' popularity, further research is needed to assess their specific impact on oral health.
The study utilized an efficient approach for data collection, minimizing biases associated with face-to-face interviews. However, reliance on self-reported data introduced potential recall bias, and the cross-sectional design hindered establishing causal relationships, underscoring the need for future longitudinal investigations.
Subgroup analyses across different age groups unveiled intriguing patterns in dietary habits and their association with oral health, suggesting tailored education programs for specific cohorts. The study's implications for public health strategies emphasize the importance of personalized approaches considering individual dietary preferences. Future research could explore socio-economic, cultural, and educational influences on dietary choices affecting oral health to develop more nuanced interventions.
In conclusion, this study underscores the dynamic relationship between diet and oral health, advocating for tailored interventions to address diverse dietary preferences among individuals aged 15 and above. These insights contribute to ongoing discussions on effective oral health promotion, urging strategies that resonate with the unique dietary needs of different demographic groups.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this study reveals the intricate link between diet and oral health practices among individuals aged 15 and above. The cross-sectional design offers nuanced insights into diverse dietary habits, emphasizing the need for personalized interventions. Variations in dietary choices, consumption frequencies, and their impact on oral health indicators underscore the complexity of addressing individual well-being. Trends like the consumption of acidic or sugary foods suggest potential areas for targeted public health initiatives, requiring further research to fully understand their implications. While the study's online data collection is efficient, caution is needed due to potential recall bias from self-reported data. Future longitudinal investigations are crucial to establishing causal relationships. Subgroup analyses highlight age-specific patterns, advocating for tailored education programs considering socio-economic, cultural, and educational influences on dietary choices impacting oral health. These findings contribute significantly to discussions on effective oral health promotion, emphasizing the necessity for strategies aligned with the diverse dietary needs of various demographic groups.
