Özet:

Objective: Dental caries and periodontal diseases have negative effects on both oral and general health. The aim of this study was to evaluate dietary habits, caries ratio and periodontal status of children in deciduous, early and late mixed dentition. Methods: Dental and periodontal status of 129 children (73 girls, 56 boys, mean age 7.9±2.4) were examined and evaluated. Caries ratio including decayed, missing, filled teeth of the primary (df-t) and permanent dentition (DMF-T), plaque index (PI) and gingival index (GI) were determined. Demographic data, nutrition and brushing habits were collected via a questionnaire. In addition, body mass index (BMI) was calculated.  Results: The ratio of children having twice-four times a day snacks in-between-meals was found to be 61%. While 60% of children consumed sugar sweetened beverages once a day and 60% of children had a cariogenic nutrition pattern, only 6% of children brushed their teeth 3 times per day. In age groups of 4-6, 7-9 and 10-12, mean numbers of df-t were 8.10±2.62, 7.90±2.41, 3.80±1.60, and DMF-T were 0.65±1.22, 1.30±1.21, 2.15±0.90, respectively. The number of teeth with caries were significantly different among the age groups (p<0.001). No significant difference in PI and GI were found between the groups. BMI values were within normal limits. Significant positive correlation was found between the PI and df-t, DMF-T levels (p<0.01). Conclusion: Ineffective and inadequate brushing, and consumption of cariogenic snacks may jeopardise dental and periodontal health in children at every stage of age. Health education should include the importance of proper nutrition and regular oral hygiene habits.

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