Effect of sugars and carbonated drink's consumption on anthropometric indices and dental health

Carbohydrates are the main source of human diet. More than 60% of total needed energy is obtained from them.Many studies have shown that obesity and dental caries increase with high consumption of sugars and carbonated drinks. Some studies showed that this kind of diet has not any role on obesity and dental caries. The aim of this study was to assess the role of sugars and soft drinks on the anthropometric and dental health indices. By a descriptive cross-sectional study in year 1383, a total of 788 healthy 7-years old primary school children were selected via a cluster sampling in Tehran. Their general information was asked from their mothers. 24-hour frequency consumption of sugars including beverge was asked by the trained interviewers via a standard questionnaire. Then anthropometric measurements were also taken for each child. Dental health indices were measured by two trained dental hygienist. The Chi-square and Spearman tests were used for detection of statistical associations. Spearman statistical test did not show any significant relationship between dmft and consumption of sugars and soft drinks. Also consumption of sugars in children who had a problem with height for age and weight for height was higher but they did not show statistical difference. Also consumption of sugars in children who had problem with weight for age was significantly higher (P=0.002). Consumption of sugar in low weight children was higher and there was not any significant relationship between sugar consumption and dmft.