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VOL. 8, ISSUE 2 (2026)
Prevalence of dental caries in relation to refined sugar consumption among children in Ajegunle and Gbagada communities, Lagos State, Nigeria
Authors
Joshua Oludare Oluwatobi, Temionu Oluwakemi
Abstract
Dental caries remains a significant public health burden among children
in low- and middle-income settings, where refined sugar consumption is high and
oral health services are often inadequate. This cross-sectional descriptive
study investigated the prevalence of dental caries and its association with
refined sugar intake among children aged 10–18 years residing in the Ajegunle
and Gbagada communities of Lagos State, Nigeria. Using a multistage sampling
strategy, structured questionnaires were administered to a total of 100
respondents, comprising children and their caregivers. Data were analyzed using
descriptive statistics, with findings presented as frequencies and percentages.
The results revealed that a substantial majority of the sampled children consumed
refined sugars regularly, with 87% reporting intake of carbonated beverages,
93% adding sugar to tea, and 67% consuming candies and chewing gum on a
frequent basis. Candy consumption was predominantly daily (56%), while
carbonated drink intake was largely weekly (60%). Poor oral hygiene practices
and limited access to dental healthcare services were also identified within
the study communities. The findings indicate a high prevalence of dental caries
risk factors among the target population, driven by dietary habits and
inadequate oral health awareness. This study underscores the urgent need for
community-based oral health education programmes, increased government
investment in primary dental healthcare infrastructure, and regulatory
oversight of refined sugar content in products marketed to children in urban
Nigerian communities.
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Pages:134-138
How to cite this article:
Joshua Oludare Oluwatobi, Temionu Oluwakemi "Prevalence of dental caries in relation to refined sugar consumption among children in Ajegunle and Gbagada communities, Lagos State, Nigeria". International Journal of Dental Sciences, Vol 8, Issue 2, 2026, Pages 134-138
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