The Relationship between Snacks and Sweet Drinks Consumption at School Times with First Molar Cavities Level

Because of huge growth of snack food industry in the last few years the nation’s eating habits are undergoing major transformation with a replacement of traditional main meals by more frequent snacking. Dietary changes have been notable in children and particularly students so they are the major consumers of these foods. The aim of this study was to evaluate the snack and sweet drinks consumption at school times and its relationship with first molar cavities level in a group of students. The study was carried out in a group of 400, 8-12 year-old boy students in Area 5 Tabriz school. Data were collected through simple examination and questionnaire completed by a interveiwer. Findings were analyzed with descriptive statistic methods and chi-square Test. The findings showed that nearly all the students (91%) had one or more snack or sweet drinks at school time. Biscuits, dried berries and raisins and packed fruit juice were the most popular. First molar cavities as expressed in DMFT increased significantly with high intake of snacks. Snack and sweet drinks consumption is high among Tabriz students, and first molar cavities level is increased with high snacks intakes.