Is the consumption of fruit cariogenic?
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to investigate possible risk factors for dental caries in primary school children.


METHODS
Children aged 10-12 years (n = 257) residing in Lithgow, a non-fluoridated community in New South Wales, Australia, were examined for caries experience in the permanent dentition. Information on dental practices, diet, residential movements, and socioeconomic status were obtained from self-completed questionnaires.


RESULTS
Caries risk in the permanent teeth was associated with social disadvantage and diet. Among the dietary factors, the frequency of fruit consumption was associated with higher odds of caries experience (odds ratio: 1.52, 95% confidence intervals: 1.05, 2.21).


CONCLUSIONS
Exposure to a high level of fruit consumption was suggestive of increased caries risk. Longitudinal studies are required to investigate the relationship between fruit consumption and dental caries.
Department of Population Oral Health, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia. amit.arora@sydney.edu.au
Amit
A
Arora
Robin Wendell
RW
Evans
D002326:Cariogenic Agents; D002648:Child; D004245:DMF Index; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D004037:Diet, Cariogenic; D005260:Female; D005638:Fruit; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D009517:New South Wales / Q000453:epidemiology; D016017:Odds Ratio; D012307:Risk Factors; D012923:Social Class; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D002326:Cariogenic Agents