Impact of Sugar Consumption on Oral Health and Tooth Decay

This study investigates the relationship between sugar consumption and tooth decay, focusing on the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index as an indicator of oral health. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted on a sample of 500 individuals across various age groups. The mean age of participants was 35 years (SD = 12.5), with an average daily sugar intake of 60 grams (SD = 20). Bivariate analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between sugar consumption and the DMFT index (r = 0.60, p < 0.001), indicating a higher prevalence of tooth decay among individuals with greater sugar intake. Multivariate regression analysis, adjusting for age, gender, and toothbrushing frequency, confirmed the independent effect of sugar consumption on tooth decay (β = 0.45, p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis by age demonstrated varying associations, with adolescents exhibiting the strongest association (β = 0.55, p < 0.001), followed by adults (β = 0.40, p < 0.001), and older adults (β = 0.30, p = 0.023). These findings underscore the importance of targeted interventions to reduce sugar consumption and promote oral health across diverse age groups.