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Prevalence of dental caries and sugar consumption among 6–12-y-old schoolchildren in La Trinidad, Benguet, Philippines

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition volume 59, pages 1429–1438 (2005)Cite this article

Abstract

Objective:

To determine the prevalence of dental caries and the level of sugar consumption among 6–12-y-old schoolchildren in La Trinidad, Benguet, Philippines.

Design:

A Cross-sectional study as a baseline survey for a later intervention program. A questionnaire was distributed to obtain information on dental history and total consumption of food with sugar. Caries were diagnosed based on the WHO recommendation.

Results:

A total of 1200 schoolchildren, aged 6–12 y were included. The prevalence of dental caries in primary dentition was 71.7% and in the permanent dentition, 68.2%. The mean total decayed, extracted due to caries and filled primary teeth (DMFT) and decayed, missing and filled permanent teeth (DMFT) were 4.12 (s.d. 4.03) and 2.40 (s.d. 2.57), respectively. As age increased the mean DMFT increased. Majority (70%) had tooth brushing practices, and less than half (42.5%) had a dental visit only when necessary. Their sugar intake was twice more than the WHO recommendation with a mean daily total intake of 59 g per person. Most common sources of dietary sugar were hard candies (89%), banana cue (84.9%), camote cue (84.9%) and soft drinks (84.4%). No significant correlation was found between sugar intake and dental caries.

Conclusion:

The results indicate that dental caries is highly prevalent and increase with augmented sugar consumption. This maybe due to a widespread neglect of oral health and an increased availability of refined sugary products. Caries rates mirrored those of the developing countries with untreated lesions dominating all ages. The high level of untreated caries in all age groups is a cause for concern.

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Acknowledgements

The study was financially supported by the University of Tokushima, Japan. We thank the community and school authorities, parents and children of Balili Elementary School and Benguet State University Elementary Laboratory School, La Trinidad, Benguet, Philippines, who supported and participated in the survey. The hard work of the survey team (PDA- Benguet Chapter headed by the President Dr Rose Batnag-Bagyan, the late Dr Alice D Cawas, Dr Fevelyn Hora, Dr Stella Laca, Dr Ruthgar Tecson, Dr Paul Concepcion, Dr Peter Cating, Dr Albert Atiwag, Dr Jennlyn Ebes-Adnol, Dr Esther Rivera, Dr Veronica Garcia, Professor Imelda O Degay, FNRI-DOST Dr Corazon VC Barba, Miss Eva T Abille, Alberto N Jr Yabao, Ruby Y Kawahara, Mr Alberto R Yabao and Mrs Luciana N Yabao) is also gratefully acknowledged, as well as the countless others for their help.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of International Public Health Nutrition, Institute of Health Biosciences, The University of Tokushima, Tokushima, Japan

    R N Yabao, M Nakamori & S Yamamoto

  2. Department of Science and Technology, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Manila, Philippines

    C A Duante & F V Velandria

  3. Benguet State University, La Trinidad, Benguet, Philippines

    M Lucas

  4. Department of Preventive Environment and Nutrition, Institute of Health Biosciences, The University of Tokushima, Tokushima, Japan

    A Kassu

Authors
  1. R N Yabao
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  2. C A Duante
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  3. F V Velandria
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  4. M Lucas
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  5. A Kassu
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  6. M Nakamori
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  7. S Yamamoto
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to S Yamamoto.

Additional information

Guarantor: S Yamamoto.

Contributors: RNY was involved in the preparation of the research protocol, field management, collection and analysis of data, and manuscript writing. CAD, FVV, ML, AK and MN were involved in the field management, collection and analysis of data. SY was the responsible professor of this study and was involved in the financial arrangement, the preparation of the research protocol, field management, and manuscript writing.

Appendix A

Appendix A

Sugar consumption survey

Name: __________Date: ______Birthday: ________Grade: ______ Researcher:__________

How often do you consume these foods?

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Yabao, R., Duante, C., Velandria, F. et al. Prevalence of dental caries and sugar consumption among 6–12-y-old schoolchildren in La Trinidad, Benguet, Philippines. Eur J Clin Nutr 59, 1429–1438 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602258

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