Oral hygiene practice and the relationship between sugary food intake and dental caries among adults in Mbeya, Southwest Tanzania

Abstract

Background: Dental caries is a common dental health issue, but its prevalence varies across countries due to differences in oral healthcare programmes, lifestyles, and socio-economic status. Diet and fluoride exposure are major factors influencing the caries process. Sugars in the diet provide a substrate for bacteria in dental plaque, leading to tooth demineralisation. Our study assessed oral hygiene practice and the relationship between dental caries and sugary food intake among adults in Mbeya, Tanzania.

Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among healthy adults in Mbeya selected through random sampling. The questionnaire was used to collect information on oral health practices and dental caries risk factors through interpersonal conversations. Oral cavity physical examinations were also conducted to assess oral cleanliness based on visible plaque presence and dentition status classified by the number of decayed, filled, and missing teeth due to caries. Data was analysed using SPSS version 23. χ2-test and logistic regression were used for studying associations.

Results: Our study included 168 participants. Nearly all 166 (98.8%) reported brushing their teeth. All participants reported sugary food intake, with 143 (85.1%) consuming sugary foods more than three times daily and 25 (14.9%) less than three times daily. Decayed teeth were present in 126 (75%) participants. Among those eating sugary foods over three times daily, 112 (66.7%) had dental caries versus 31 (18.5%) without caries (χ2=5.655, p=0.017). Reduced toothbrushing frequency is associated with increased decay (COR 2.839, 95% CI 1.172-6.873, p<0.05). The mean decayed, missing, and filled teeth score was 1.45 (± 0.45).

Conclusion: Findings indicate a positive oral hygiene practice overall. High sugar intake and inadequate brushing contributed to a high dental caries prevalence, indicating the need for improved oral health education, preventive efforts, and better access to dental services to address the substantial tooth decay burden.