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The association between sugar‐sweetened beverages and dental caries among third‐grade students in G eorgia
Author(s) -
Wilder Jocelyn R.,
Kaste Linda M.,
Handler Arden,
ChappleMcGruder Theresa,
Rankin Kristin M.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
journal of public health dentistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.64
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1752-7325
pISSN - 0022-4006
DOI - 10.1111/jphd.12116
Subject(s) - sugar , food science , association (psychology) , medicine , dentistry , psychology , chemistry , psychotherapist
Objective The purpose of this study is to examine the association between sugar‐sweetened beverage ( SSB ) consumption and caries experience among G eorgia third graders. Methods The 2010‐2011 G eorgia Third Grade Oral Health Study provided a school‐based sample for analysis. Data were weighted to be representative of the state of G eorgia's third graders. Log‐binomial regression was used to assess the association between SSB consumption and caries experience after adjusting for socio‐demographic and maternal and child oral health characteristics. Results G eorgia third graders consumed approximately two servings of SSB per day on average (1.7, 95% CI 1.6‐1.8). Fifty‐two percent of G eorgia third graders had caries experience. Daily consumption of SSB and prevalence of caries experience differed significantly by demographic characteristics. After adjustment for socio‐demographic and maternal oral health characteristics, caries experience increased 22 percent (adjusted PR = 1.2, 95% CI 1.1, 1.3) for every additional reported serving of SSB consumed per day. Conclusion Higher consumption of SSBs is associated with higher caries prevalence among G eorgia third graders after adjustment for important covariates. Consequently, health messages about SSBs from dentists, physicians, and other healthcare providers as well as policy approaches at the school, state, and national levels to limit consumption of SSBs may collectively impact both the development of dental caries and obesity, leading to overall better health for children.