Dietary Sugar Intake, Dental Decay and Oral Health Outcomes in Vulnerable Pediatric Populations: A Study of Low-Income Children

Abstract

Dental caries and poor oral health outcomes are significant concerns among vulnerable pediatric populations, specially in low-income communities where access to dental care may be limited. High sugar raises risk of dental decay, making it crucial to understand this relationship in the context of socioeconomic disparities. Objective: This research aims to investigate the relationship between dietary sugar intake, dental decay, and oral health outcomes in children from low-income families, providing insights into potential risk factors and areas for intervention. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 70 children ages between 8-10 years from low-income families, selected using a stratified random sampling technique. Sugar Intake Assessment Questionnaire was used to assess dietary sugar. Dental Decay assessed by cariogram model and Standardized Oral Hygiene Index (OHI) was used for assess the oral health outcomes. Descriptive statistics, independent t-test and Regression analysis was used for statistical analysis. Results: The research revealed a clear positive link between dental caries and dietary sugar consumption (r = 0.45, p < 0.001), with greater sugar intake related to high prevalence of dental decay (OR = 2.5, 95% CI: 1.83.5). Additionally, children with higher sugar intake had poorer oral health outcomes, including higher plaque scores (mean difference = 1.2, p < 0.01) and increased gingivitis prevalence (35% vs. 15%, p < 0.001). The regression analysis showed that oral health outcomes and dental decay (β = 0.3, p < 0.001) were substantially predicted by dietary sugar intake. Conclusion: This study emphasizes how important dietary sugar intake is for low-income children's development of dental decay and bad oral health outcomes. The results emphasize how important it is to have focused interventions aimed at lowering sugar intake and encouraging appropriate oral hygiene habits among underprivileged children. Reducing dental caries and raising general oral health in this group could depend much on public health efforts and parental education programs.