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Oral processing behavior and dental caries; an insight into a new relationship
Melanie F Alazzam1, Issam B Rasheed1, Suhad H Aljundi2
1Department of Oral Medicine and Oral Surgery, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan.
Individuals who prefer soft food processing (SPL) have higher dental caries experience than those who prefer firm food processing (FPL). This suggests a link between oral processing behavior and tooth decay.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Oral Health
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Individual variations in oral processing behavior exist, classifying people as firm food processors (FPL) or soft food processors (SPL).
- Oral processing behavior differences are linked to food texture preferences and eating duration, which can influence dental caries development.
- Eating time and oral retention are known factors associated with increased caries experience.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential relationship between preferred oral processing behavior and an individual's caries experience.
- To determine if distinct oral processing behaviors correlate with varying levels of dental caries.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 500 participants at Jordan University of Science and Technology.
- Participants completed a questionnaire on preferred oral processing behavior (POPB).
- Caries experience and plaque levels were assessed using the DMFS and plaque indices, respectively.
Main Results:
- Out of 500 participants, 351 (70.2%) were FPL and 149 (29.8%) were SPL.
- Soft food processors (SPL) exhibited significantly higher dental caries experience (mean DMFS 28.8) compared to firm food processors (FPL) (mean DMFS 18.71).
- The difference in caries experience between SPL and FPL remained significant after adjusting for confounders (P<0.001), particularly in the 'M' (missing teeth) component.
Conclusions:
- The study indicates a potential association between preferred oral processing behavior and an individual's caries experience.
- Preferred oral processing behavior may influence or be influenced by the development of dental caries.
- These findings offer new insights into the interplay between how individuals process food orally and their susceptibility to tooth decay.
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