Factors Influencing the Relationship between Coffee, Tea Consumption and Dental Caries in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: The relationship between coffee and tea consumption and dental caries in Saudi Arabia has not been covered adequately. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the association between the frequency and quantity of coffee and tea consumption and dental caries severity among adolescents (middle and high schools) in the Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional observational survey study that was carried out in Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia. Validated interview-based questionnaires were used to ask about the background information and the frequency and quantity of coffee and tea consumption with two sections of the survey: the first section was about the demographic data and the second section assessed the frequency and quantity of coffee and tea consumption and examination was done during daylight using disposable dental mirror and blunt probe. Result: A total of 2265 middle school children with a response rate of 77.8%. Out of them, Females accounted for 1288 (56%) and the mean age (±SD) was 14 (±1.322). Regarding parents’ education, 1916 (84.6%) of participants’ fathers and 1836 (81.1%) of their mothers had a high school certificate or higher. There was a significant association between the frequency of coffee and tea consumption and caries (p=0.013). Conclusion: There was a significant association between the frequency of coffee and tea consumption and caries (p=0.013). The frequency of coffee and tea consumption, the higher the caries. However, there was no association between the quantity of coffee and tea consumption and D nor with the overall DMF score.