Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 7, 2026

Impact of Common Fruit Juices and Toothbrushing on the Discoloration of Primary Teeth
04:40

Impact of Common Fruit Juices and Toothbrushing on the Discoloration of Primary Teeth

Published on: March 27, 2026

Dental caries and dietary patterns in low-income African American children

Justine L Kolker1, Ying Yuan, Brian A Burt

  • 1Department of Operative Dentistry, College of Dentistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, USA. justine-kolker@uiowa.edu

Pediatric Dentistry
|February 8, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Sugared drink consumption in children is linked to increased dental caries. Promoting non-sugary drink alternatives can help prevent tooth decay in young children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Dentistry
  • Public Health Nutrition
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Dental caries is a significant public health issue, particularly in low-income populations.
  • Dietary habits play a crucial role in the development and progression of early childhood caries.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between dietary patterns and the severity of dental caries.
  • To examine these relationships in a cohort of low-income African American children.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 436 African American children aged 3-5 years.
  • Dietary intake assessed using the Block Kids Food Questionnaire; caries severity measured by the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS).
  • Factor analysis identified dietary patterns; multinomial logistic regression analyzed associations with decayed, missing, and filled surfaces (dmfs).

Main Results:

  • Positive associations were found between decayed, missing, and filled surfaces (dmfs) scores and consumption of soda and powdered/sport drinks.
  • Age was also positively associated with dmfs scores.
  • Consumption of milk and real juice (non-orange) showed an association with lower dmfs levels.

Conclusions:

  • Frequent consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages is associated with a higher prevalence of dental caries in young children.
  • Intervention programs focusing on non-cariogenic dietary alternatives are essential for caries prevention.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Micro-dissection of Enamel Organ from Mandibular Incisor of Rats Exposed to Environmental Toxicants08:12

Micro-dissection of Enamel Organ from Mandibular Incisor of Rats Exposed to Environmental Toxicants

Published on: March 29, 2018

Related Concept Videos

Teeth01:15

Teeth

The formation of teeth, also known as odontogenesis, is a complex process that begins in utero, around the sixth week of embryonic development. There are three stages to this process: the bud stage, the cap stage, and the bell stage.
In the bud stage, the tooth germ (an aggregation of cells) starts to form in the developing jawbone. During the cap stage, the tooth germ differentiates into enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental sac, which will later develop into the tooth's enamel, dentin and...
Tooth Anatomy01:21

Tooth Anatomy

The human tooth enables us to eat a variety of foods, speak clearly, and even aid in shaping our faces. Teeth are composed of various elements that work together. Here's a detailed look at the anatomy of a human tooth.
The Crown, Neck, and Root
The visible part of the tooth is referred to as the crown. It's covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. The crown is uniquely shaped for each type of tooth, allowing for different functions such as cutting, tearing, or grinding food.
Development of the Oral Microbiota01:28

Development of the Oral Microbiota

The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...
The Oral Microbiota01:27

The Oral Microbiota

The oral microbiome includes a complex ecosystem comprising over 700 microbial species, identified through genomic sequencing and culture-based analyses to date. This community includes a core microbiome, found universally among individuals, and a variable component influenced by environmental factors such as diet, lifestyle, and host genetics. Site-specific conditions, including oxygen gradients, pH levels, and nutrient availability, determine the spatial distribution of these microorganisms...
Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations01:24

Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) progressively impairs multiple body systems due to the accumulation of uremic toxins, which disrupt cellular functions across various organs.Neurologic symptomsNeurologic symptoms often arise early in CKD, as uremic toxin buildup drives changes in cognitive and motor functions. Patients frequently experience fatigue, headache, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and, in severe cases, seizures. Peripheral neuropathy commonly manifests as burning sensations in the...
Assessment of the Mouth01:26

Assessment of the Mouth

A thorough mouth assessment, including inspection and palpation of the lips, gums, tongue, tonsils, uvula, and pharynx, is crucial in detecting potential health issues. Diseases ranging from oral cancer to systemic conditions like diabetes could be identified early through careful oral examination. This article provides a detailed guide on conducting a comprehensive mouth assessment.
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.