Influence of diet quality on dental caries status among 7-9-year-old children: A cross-sectional study from central Kerala.

BACKGROUND: Diet plays a significant role in the development of dental caries; however, evidence on the influence of overall diet quality on caries experience among Indian children is limited. AIM: To evaluate diet quality among 7-9-year-old children and to assess its association with caries status in primary and permanent dentition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 children aged 7-9 years. Diet quality was assessed using the Diet Quality Index for Indian Children. Food quantities were converted into nutrient values using Ntuitive software. Dental caries was recorded using the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) and decayed, extracted, and filled teeth (deft) indices. Data were analyzed using Chi-square test, t -test, one-way ANOVA, and multiple linear regression. RESULTS: Most children had moderately healthy (48%) or unhealthy diets (37%). The mean DMFT was 1.36 ± 1.59, and the mean deft was 4.77 ± 2.43. Diet quality showed a significant association with both DMFT ( P = 0.023) and deft ( P < 0.001). Individual food group analysis revealed significant differences in deft scores with respect to intake of pulses/meat ( P = 0.04), vegetables ( P = 0.039), fruits ( P = 0.009), and sugar ( P = 0.014). Higher deft scores were observed in children consuming inadequate nutritious foods and excess sugars. Regression analysis showed diet quality and sugar intake as significant predictors of deft ( R2 = 38.1%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Healthier diets were associated with lower caries experience, particularly in primary dentition. Overall diet quality emerged as a key predictor of dental caries, highlighting the importance of balanced dietary patterns over individual food components.