Examining the role of children's personal factors and dietary habits in predicting oral and dental health

Aim: The aim of this study is to examine the predictive role of children's personal factors (sociodemographic factors, oral-dental health habits, physical activity status and sleep habits, saliva buffering capacities, anthropometric measurements) and dietary habits (Potential Renal Acid Load [PRAL], Healthy Eating Index [HEI], food consumption habits) on oral and dental health. Scope: The sample of the study consisted of children aged 7-12 years who were systemically healthy, who applied to Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Pediatric Dentistry in Rize Province and accepted the data collection process. Materials and Methods: Information about children's personal factors and eating habits were obtained from the forms given to children and parents. During the oral examinations of the children, the number of deciduous and permanent Decayed-Missing-Filled teeth (dmft/DMFT), Caries Assessment Spectrum and Treatment Index (CAST), Plaque Index (PI) and Gingival Index (GI) values were recorded. The patient was called to the next session by giving a food consumption registration form. In this session, children' s saliva pH values and retrospective 24-hour food consumption records were recorded on the forms. After the data in the form of the children' s daily nutrition record are entered into the BeBiS 9 program; the amount of energy, protein, carbohydrate, calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), potassium (K+), phosphorus (P3-), monounsaturated fat, polyunsaturated fat, saturated fat, and sucrose were determined. In the light of these data, the PRAL and HEI scores of the children were calculated. For statistical analysis, Jamovi 2.2.5 Statistics Program was used. Chi-square, Shapiro-Wilk, Mann-Whitney U Tests and Kruskal-Wallis Ordered One-Way Analysis of Variance, Spearman Correlation Analysis and Regression Analysis were performed. Results: In this study, saliva pH was found to have a statistically significant predictive role for the dmft (β=0,117, p=0,109)/ DMFT (β=-0,28, p<0,001) Index. It was found that food consumption habits (of snacking status [β=0.41, p=0.025] and healthy eating habits model [F=2.58, p=0.111, ΔR2=0.01]), physical activity (F=0,776, p=0,380, ΔR2=0.00), and healthy eating model (F=2,58, p=0,111, ΔR2=0,01) had a statistically significant predictive role on the DMFT Index. It was found that food consumption habits had a statistically significant predictive role for PI (F=2,84, p=0,018, ΔR2=0,09) and GI (the relationship between those who sometimes skip the main meal and those who skip it [β=0.479, p=0.018] and the relationship between those who never skip and those who skip it [β=0.711, p=0.002]). It was found that all personal factors and dietary habits of the child did not have a statistically significant predictive effect on the CAST Index. Conclusion: The salivary pH and food consumption habits of the child predict the dmft/DMFT Index. Raising awareness to parents about their children's oral and dental health, as well as regulating their eating habits; It is thought that it will be effective in reducing the prevalence of dental caries. Key words: School age child, Saliva pH, Food consumption habits, Oral and dental health