The impact of dietary habits on pediatric oral health in Maramureș county

Introduction. Dietary habits and oral hygiene practices play a significant role in the development of dental caries and oral health in childrens lives. This study aims to evaluate the frequency of sugar consumption, oral hygiene practices and parental attitudes concerning preventive dental care. Materials and method. Data were collected using an original questionnaire that addressed nutritional habits, oral hygiene routines and frequency of dental visits among children from Maramureș county, between November 2024 and February 2025. Results. A significant proportion of children (37.57%) consume sugary foods daily, while 47.27% consume them 2-3 times per week. The consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks was moderate, with 51.51% of individuals drinking them occasionally and 20.6% once a week; 22.42% consumed 2-3 times per week carbonated beverages, which are associated with a lower oral pH and with an increased caries risk. Most children (84.24%) predominantly drink water, and 60% consume fresh fruit daily. Unhealthy snacking was reported by 27.27% of children daily, and 27.87% also ate after evening toothbrushing, potentially limiting the effectiveness of oral hygiene. Although 58.78% brush twice daily, only 13.93% use adjunctive oral hygiene aids. Preventive dental visits every six months were reported by 36.96% of children, with 40% attending only for emergencies. Conclusions. Frequent sugar consumption, sugar-sweetened drinks and inadequate oral hygiene contribute significantly to early dental lesions in children. Parental support and educational campaigns are vital for encouraging healthy habits. Promoting balanced nutrition, rigorous oral care and regular dental checkups is essential to improve childrens long-term oral health status.