Dietary, oral hygiene, and lifestyle habits of children aged 3 to 14 years in Al-Jouf region of Saudi Arabia.

Abstract

Introduction:

Children and young adolescents experience alterations in dietary, oral hygiene, and lifestyle habits due to changes in their daily routines, school schedules, and home environments which may influence their oral health practices and overall well-being. The aim of this study was to compare the dietary, oral hygiene, and lifestyle habits of children between school and holiday periods.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted among parents/caregivers of children aged 3–14 years who reported to the outpatient dental clinic. Stratified random sampling was used to select the participants. A structured questionnaire was used to collect demographic information and details related to children’s dietary habits, oral hygiene practices, and lifestyle behaviors during regular school days and during holidays. A total of 248 participants completed the questionnaire. Due to the responses received from the same children for both periods, paired statistical analysis were performed using Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Student’s t-test.

Results:

Significant differences were observed between school and holiday periods in several behaviors. Meal timing patterns and the frequency of consumption of sugary/carbonated beverages and juices between the two periods were differed significantly (p=0.002–0.021). Bedtime-related oral hygiene practices also varied, with significant differences in 11–14 years (p<0.001). Lifestyle behaviors showed significant differences, including mean daily screen-related activity among 3–6-year-olds (5.94 ± 2.45 vs. 6.69 ± 3.36 hours; p=0.043). Sleep duration also differed significantly across all age groups (p=0.031, <0.001, and 0.002 for ages 3–6, 7–10, and 11–14 years, respectively).

Conclusion:

The alterations in children’s dietary, oral hygiene, and lifestyle habits emphasize the importance of parental awareness and guidance in promoting healthier behaviors and maintaining good oral health practices among children and adolescents.