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CORRELATION OF ORAL HEALTH HOME-CARE PRACTICES, SNACKING HABITS AND DENTAL CARIES EXPERIENCE AMONG HIV-POSITIVE

M A Masiga1, J M Machoki

  • 1Department of Paediatric Dentistry and Orthodentists, School of Dental Sciences, University of Nairobi, Kenya.

East African Medical Journal
|February 6, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Dental caries is common in HIV-positive children, especially those consuming frequent sugary snacks or syrups. Good oral hygiene, like brushing twice daily, significantly reduces caries risk.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Dentistry
  • Public Health
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • HIV infection can impact oral health in children.
  • Dental caries remains a significant issue in pediatric populations, particularly those with chronic illnesses.
  • Limited data exists on the oral health practices and caries experience of HIV-positive children in Kenya.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between oral hygiene practices, dietary habits (snacking), and dental caries experience.
  • To assess these factors in HIV-positive children aged 3-15 years attending a specific clinic.
  • To inform targeted oral health interventions for this vulnerable group.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at Kenyatta National Hospital.
  • Two hundred and twenty HIV-positive children were recruited using consecutive sampling.
  • Data on socio-demographics, oral care, and snacking were collected via interviews; dental caries was assessed through oral examination.

Main Results:

  • The prevalence of dental caries was 65%, with mean dmft/DMFT scores of 1.75/1.08.
  • Over half of the children (57.3%) brushed daily; 18.6% consumed sweetened snacks regularly.
  • Caries experience was higher with frequent sweetened snack consumption and syrupy medication use; it was lowest with twice-daily brushing.

Conclusions:

  • HIV-infected children with increased intake of sweetened snacks and syrupy medications had significantly higher dental caries experience.
  • Poor dental attendance was noted among the study participants.
  • Findings highlight the need for improved oral hygiene education and reduced sugar intake in HIV-positive children.
Abstract

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