Consumption of snacks and dental caries among Finnish young men : a cross-sectional epidemiological study

• Published in: Odontology 2020-07, Vol.108 (3), p.486-492
• Main Authors: Tanner, Tarja, Harju, Laura, Päkkilä, Jari, Patinen, Pertti, Tjäderhane, Leo, Anttonen, Vuokko
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Beverages; Dental caries; Dentistry; Education; Epidemiology; Medicine; Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery; Original; Original Article; Regression analysis; Smoking; Teeth; Toothbrushing
• ISSN: 1618-1247; 1618-1255
• DOI: 10.1007/s10266-019-00473-z

[Abstract] The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of consumption of snack products, as well as the association between snacking and restorative treatment need, and associated factors among a healthy Finnish male population. Approximately 8500 conscripts answered a computer-based questionnaire covering their snacking habits and other health behaviours. Restorative treatment need and history (DT, DMFT) were examined by trained and calibrated dentists. Cross-tabulations were used to investigate the associations between snacking habits and the other researched variables, and logistic regression analyses (odds ratio and 95% confidence interval) were used to investigate the variables influencing the restorative treatment need. In the present study, almost one-third of the study group consumed snack products daily, most often fizzy and energy drinks. Only 10% had received a diet counselling. The most common situations involving snacking were at the cinema and while playing computer games. According to Pearson's Chi square test, snacking was associated with smoking and snuffing and infrequent tooth brushing (p