Association Between Cariogenic Dietary Patterns and Dental Caries Among Elementary School Students in Denpasar, Bali:  A Cross-Sectional Study

Gusti Ayu Yohanna Lily; I Gusti Ayu Ari Agung Buari; Ni Putu Idaryati; Hervina Hervina; Surwandi Walianto; Anak Agung Ngurah Subawa; Putu Rama Anggastiyaprana Pande

doi:10.36733/ijassd.v8i2.14927

Authors

Gusti Ayu Yohanna Lily Departement of Dental Public Health, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Mahasaraswati Denpasar, Indonesia
I Gusti Ayu Ari Agung Buari Departement of Dental Public Health, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Mahasaraswati Denpasar, Indonesia
Ni Putu Idaryati Departement of Dental Public Health, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Mahasaraswati Denpasar, Indonesia
Hervina Hervina Departement of Periodontal, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Mahasaraswati Denpasar, Indonesia
Surwandi Walianto Departement of Orthodontic, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Mahasaraswati Denpasar, Indonesia
Anak Agung Ngurah Subawa Departement of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, Indonesia
Putu Rama Anggastiyaprana Pande Departement of Dental Public Health, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Mahasaraswati Denpasar, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36733/ijassd.v8i2.14927

Keywords:

cariogenic dietary pattern, dental caries, elementary school students

Abstract

Dental caries continues to be a prevalent oral health problem among school-age children and may negatively affect eating, concentration, learning activities, and overall daily well-being. Among its modifiable determinants, frequent consumption of cariogenic foods and beverages plays an important role in caries development. This study aimed to examine the association between cariogenic dietary patterns and dental caries among elementary school students in Denpasar, Bali. An analytical observational study with a cross-sectional design was conducted among 50 fifth-grade students at SDN 3 Panjer, Denpasar. The association between dietary patterns and caries severity was assessed using the Fisher–Freeman–Halton exact test. A statistically significant association was identified between cariogenic dietary patterns and dental caries severity (two-sided exact p = 0.020). Students with less favorable dietary habits tended to show greater caries severity, whereas those with healthier dietary patterns were more commonly classified in the very-low caries category. These findings support the integration of healthy dietary practices into school-based oral health promotion as an important strategy for preventing dental caries in children.

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