The impact of modern dietary habits on the prevalence of tooth decay in children and adolescents

Huda Abdulhadi Almushiti; Ghfran Obaid Alnfaie; Delayl Ayed Alotaibi; Neamah Mubarak Alsalem; Kowther Mohamed Alsumali; Mariam Sebitan Alkhamali; Abdulaziz Abdulrazaq Alanazi; Nouf Ahmed Alanezi; Ebtihal Hassan Masslouf; Areej Eissa Alkhibari; wejdan rasheed almutairy; Reham Abdulkarim AlQahtani; Afaf Abdrahman ALharthe; Ali ahmad Altherwi

doi:10.64483/202412389

Huda Abdulhadi Almushiti ⁽¹⁾, Ghfran Obaid Alnfaie ⁽¹⁾, Delayl Ayed Alotaibi ⁽²⁾, Neamah Mubarak Alsalem ⁽¹⁾, Kowther Mohamed Alsumali ⁽¹⁾, Mariam Sebitan Alkhamali ⁽¹⁾, Abdulaziz Abdulrazaq Alanazi ⁽¹⁾, Nouf Ahmed Alanezi ⁽¹⁾, Ebtihal Hassan Masslouf ⁽³⁾, Areej Eissa Alkhibari ⁽¹⁾, wejdan rasheed almutairy ⁽⁴⁾, Reham Abdulkarim AlQahtani ⁽⁴⁾, Afaf Abdrahman ALharthe ⁽¹⁾, Ali ahmad Altherwi ⁽⁵⁾

(1) Dental Center,Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia,

(2) Al Ghadeer Health Center,Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia,

(3) Al-Muzahmiya General Hospital,Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia,

(4) Ministry Of Health, Saudi Arabia,

(5) Jazan health cluster ,Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia

https://doi.org/10.64483/202412389

Issue
Vol. 1 No. 2 (2024)

Submitted
December 27, 2025

Published
December 31, 2024

Keywords:

Tooth decay, children, adolescents, modern dietary habits, sugars, soft drinks, oral health, prevention.

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Abstract

Tooth decay is probably the most common health issue in children and adolescents and is ‎consequently recognized as a major health concern that is closely linked to the changing lifestyles and modern dietary habits. The extensive consumption of fast food, sodas, and processed sugars among this age group, coupled with the very poor adherence to preventive oral hygiene practices, has drastically increased the incidence of decay. Even though science has made great progress in understanding the mechanisms of decay and prevention methods, a significant gap still exists. This study is a focuser of the problem by reviewing scientific literature, analyzing the associated dietary, behavioral, and social factors, and exposing the strong impact of modern dietary habits on the increased prevalence of decay among children and adolescents. It further investigates the effects of fermentable sugars, frequent snacking, and soft and energy drinks on enamel erosion and plaque formation. Additionally, it looks into the role of family and child health knowledge, as well as the application of preventive measures such as brushing and fluoride use. Scientific reviews have shown that there is a very close relationship between modern dietary patterns and tooth decay thus early health education, good eating practices, and active participation of schools, families, and health institutions are all essential to dealing with the problem. The writers of this study assert that overcoming the negative effects of modern dietary habits on children's and teenagers' dental health will take a coordinated effort in the form of health education and preventive strategies, modifying dietary behavior, and supporting health policies that limit the availability of foods harmful to dental health.

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