Sugary Foods and Beverages Relationship to Fungal Colonization and Oral Hygiene in School Children

Sugary foods and beverages are highly consumed by children. It is a substrate for fungal growth and has effects on oral hygiene. The study aimed to determine sugary foods and beverages’ relationship to oral fungi and hygiene. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 150 students aged 11-12 years old, selected based on inclusive-exclusive criteria. Demographic data and sugary foods and beverages consumption were recorded in a questionnaire. The oral material was collected and cultured in SDA media. Fungal growth was evaluated microscopically, and then fungal identification used the Integral System YEASTS Plus (Liofilchem®). OHI was used to assess oral hygiene. Results showed that 72.0% were 12 years old, the frequency of sugary foods and beverages consumption was more than once per week in 85 children (56.67 %), mostly girls (30.9%). The fungus found was mostly Candida (55.3%), and 43.3% of children had poor oral hygiene. Statistical analysis showed a significant association between the frequency of sugary foods and beverages consumption with fungal colonization (p<0.05) and oral hygiene (p<0.05). The correlation between fungal colonization and oral hygiene was statistically significant (p<0.05). This study provides insight into the relationships between sugary foods and beverages, fungal colonization, and oral hygiene.