Cariogenic Risk and COVID-19 Lockdown in a Paediatric Population

Raffaella Docimo, Micaela Costacurta, Paola Gualtieri, Alberto Pujia, Claudia Leggeri, Alda Attinà, Giulia Cinelli, Silvia Giannattasio, Tiziana Rampello and Laura Di Renzo
Additional contact information
Raffaella Docimo: Pediatric Dentistry, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
Micaela Costacurta: Pediatric Dentistry, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
Paola Gualtieri: Section of Clinical Nutrition and Nutrigenomics, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
Alberto Pujia: Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
Claudia Leggeri: Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, School of Specialization in Food Sciences, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
Alda Attinà: Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, School of Specialization in Food Sciences, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
Giulia Cinelli: Predictive and Preventive Medicine Research Unit, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy
Silvia Giannattasio: Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, School of Specialization in Food Sciences, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
Tiziana Rampello: Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, School of Specialization in Food Sciences, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
Laura Di Renzo: Section of Clinical Nutrition and Nutrigenomics, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 14, 1-18

Abstract: The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 disease COVID-19 pandemic caused several lifestyle changes, especially among younger people. The study aimed to describe the impact of eating habits, lifestyle, and home oral hygiene during the COVID-19 pandemic, on the cariogenic risk in the Italian paediatric population, by using an online survey. The survey was conducted through a virtual questionnaire divided into four parts: child personal and anthropometric data; oral health; child dietary habits (KIDMED test); and child lifestyle, before and during COVID-19 lockdown. During the lockdown, only 18.6% of the participants had high adherence to a Mediterranean diet, recording an increase in sweets consumption and the number of meals ( p < 0.001). In terms of lifestyle, the percentage of moderately and vigorously active children decreased (41.4% and 5.0%, respectively) ( p = 0.014). The percentage of children sleeping more than 9 h increased ( p < 0.001). They watched more television programs ( p < 0.001). Regarding oral hygiene, children did not change their brushing habits ( p = 0.225). The percentage of children using non-fluoridated toothpaste was higher (6.4%), and no changes were observed ( p > 0.05). In some cases, dental pain and abscesses were declared (10% and 2.7%, respectively). This study confirms the need for campaigns to promote hygiene and dental care in combination with food education for a correct habit and promotion of a healthy and sustainable dietary style.

Keywords: dental caries; eating habits; lifestyle; COVID-19 pandemic (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (5)

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