Comparative evaluation of the influence of television advertisements on children and caries prevalence

Mediating effect of eating pattern on the relationship between television exposure and caries in children

Behavioral characteristics may also take part in the etiology of dental caries. Sedentary behavior, especially watching television, is associated with increased intake of foods high in fat or free sugar, which could influence the occurrence of dental caries. The aim of this study was to assess the mediating effect of eating pattern on the relationship between television exposure time and the presence of dental caries in children. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a representative sample of 580 parent-child dyads with children aged 7 to 8 years in 20 public schools in Pelotas, Brazil. Parents or legal guardians were interviewed and provided information on demographic/socioeconomic data, children's daily television exposure time, and answered the Biological Rhythms Interview for Assessment in Neuropsychiatry for Kids (BRIAN-K-eating pattern domain). Caries was evaluated through clinical examination. The mediating effect of eating pattern on the relationship between television exposure and presence of dental caries was estimated using the parametric g-formula. Prevalence of dental caries was 63%, and 22% of children watched TV 4 or more hours per day. Television exposure had no direct effect on the dental caries experience [odds ratio (OR): 1.05 (95% confidence interval (95%CI): 0.92-1.19)]. Nevertheless, difficulty maintaining regular eating pattern mediated the natural indirect effect of television exposure time (≥ 4 hours/day) on dental caries experience [OR: 1.07 (95%CI): 1.01-1.14)]. The results of this study confirm the indirect pathway between television viewing and dental caries and the role of disordered eating patterns in this association.

The association between dental caries and physical activity, physical fitness, and background factors among Finnish male conscripts

Studies on measured physical fitness and oral health are sparse. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between self-reported physical activity and measured physical fitness and oral health of young men. The study population consisted of 13,564 Finnish male conscripts who had mandatory clinical oral examinations and physical fitness tests at the beginning of military service in 2011. Finally, around 10,800 conscripts had physical fitness test outcomes available and a total of 8552 conscripts answered a computer-based questionnaire on background factors. Decayed Tooth (DT) and Decayed, Missing, or Filled Tooth (DMFT) indices, outcomes of surveys and fitness tests were used in analyses by cross-tabulation and multivariable logistic regression model (odds ratios [OR] with 95% confidence interval [CI]) were calculated. Regularly exercising conscripts had a reduced need for dental restorative treatment than those reporting no physical activity (p < 0.0001). The proportion of participants with sound dentition (DT = 0) increased steadily with increasing physical activity (39.0-59.4%). Good measured physical fitness was a protective factor against increased dental restorative treatment need. A low prevalence of smoking and low use of alcohol and energy drinks were associated with frequent exercise, whereas consumption of sport drinks and snuff use were common among those who exercised frequently. Good measured physical fitness and self-reported physical activity are associated with reduced caries burden. There is a need for information about the harms of tobacco products and the benefits of a healthy diet, even for the increased energy needs of the physically active.

Screen Time and Its Association with Vegetables, Fruits, Snacks and Sugary Sweetened Beverages Intake among Chinese Preschool Children in Changsha, Hunan Province: A Cross-Sectional Study

(1) Introduction: Screen time may influence preschoolers’ food consumption. However, there is limited evidence regarding preschoolers, especially in China. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the association between screen time and the consumption of vegetables, fruits, snacks, and sugar sweetened beverages (SSBs). (2) Methods: Participants (1567 caregivers) were recruited from six kindergartens in Hunan, China. Caregivers completed the questionnaire, which included the food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and questions regarding their children’s daily screen time. (3) Results: The mean screen time of preschoolers was 1.36 ± 1.26 h, and the proportion of children who spent more than one hour on screens was 54.3% in the overall sample. Children with longer screen time consumed vegetables and fruits less frequently, while having a higher consumption of snacks and SSBs. After adjustment of sociodemographic confounders, children’s eating behaviors and parental feeding practices, the association of screen time with vegetables and SSBs still remained significant. (4) Conclusions: Screen time exposure needs to be monitored in preschool children, which was negatively associated with their consumption of vegetables and fruits, whereas it was positively associated with snacks and SSBs. Future research should focus more on the impact of screen time on children’s unhealthy behaviors and dietary patterns.

Association of Food and Nonalcoholic Beverage Marketing With Children and Adolescents' Eating Behaviors and Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

IMPORTANCE

There is widespread interest in the effect of food marketing on children; however, the comprehensive global evidence reviews are now dated.

OBJECTIVE

To quantify the association of food and nonalcoholic beverage marketing with behavioral and health outcomes in children and adolescents to inform updated World Health Organization guidelines.

DATA SOURCES

Twenty-two databases were searched (including MEDLINE, CINAHL, Web of Science, Embase, and The Cochrane Library) with a publication date limit from January 2009 through March 2020.

STUDY SELECTION

Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses reporting guidelines were followed. Inclusion criteria were primary studies assessing the association of food marketing with specified outcomes in children and adolescents (aged 0-19 years). Exclusion criteria were qualitative studies or those on advertising of infant formula. Of 31 063 articles identified, 96 articles were eligible for inclusion in the systematic review, and 80 articles in the meta-analysis (19 372 participants).

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

Two reviewers independently extracted data. Random-effects models were used for meta-analyses; meta-regressions, sensitivity analyses, and P curve analyses were also performed. Where appropriate, pooling was conducted using combining P values and vote counting by direction of effect. Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation was used to judge certainty of evidence.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Critical outcomes were intake, choice, preference, and purchasing. Important outcomes were purchase requests, dental caries, body weight, and diet-related noncommunicable diseases.

RESULTS

Participants totaled 19 372 from 80 included articles. Food marketing was associated with significant increases in intake (standardized mean difference [SMD], 0.25; 95% CI, 0.15-0.35; P < .001), choice (odds ratio, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.26-2.50; P < .001), and preference (SMD, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.12-0.49; P = .001). Substantial heterogeneity (all >76%) was unexplained by sensitivity or moderator analyses. The combination of P values for purchase requests was significant but no clear evidence was found for an association of marketing with purchasing. Data on dental health and body weight outcomes were scarce. The certainty of evidence was graded as very low to moderate for intake and choice, and very low for preference and purchasing.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, food marketing was associated with increased intake, choice, preference, and purchase requests in children and adolescents. Implementation of policies to restrict children's exposure is expected to benefit child health.

Association of Food and Nonalcoholic Beverage Marketing With Children and Adolescents' Eating Behaviors and Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

IMPORTANCE

There is widespread interest in the effect of food marketing on children; however, the comprehensive global evidence reviews are now dated.

OBJECTIVE

To quantify the association of food and nonalcoholic beverage marketing with behavioral and health outcomes in children and adolescents to inform updated World Health Organization guidelines.

DATA SOURCES

Twenty-two databases were searched (including MEDLINE, CINAHL, Web of Science, Embase, and The Cochrane Library) with a publication date limit from January 2009 through March 2020.

STUDY SELECTION

Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses reporting guidelines were followed. Inclusion criteria were primary studies assessing the association of food marketing with specified outcomes in children and adolescents (aged 0-19 years). Exclusion criteria were qualitative studies or those on advertising of infant formula. Of 31 063 articles identified, 96 articles were eligible for inclusion in the systematic review, and 80 articles in the meta-analysis (19 372 participants).

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

Two reviewers independently extracted data. Random-effects models were used for meta-analyses; meta-regressions, sensitivity analyses, and P curve analyses were also performed. Where appropriate, pooling was conducted using combining P values and vote counting by direction of effect. Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation was used to judge certainty of evidence.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Critical outcomes were intake, choice, preference, and purchasing. Important outcomes were purchase requests, dental caries, body weight, and diet-related noncommunicable diseases.

RESULTS

Participants totaled 19 372 from 80 included articles. Food marketing was associated with significant increases in intake (standardized mean difference [SMD], 0.25; 95% CI, 0.15-0.35; P < .001), choice (odds ratio, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.26-2.50; P < .001), and preference (SMD, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.12-0.49; P = .001). Substantial heterogeneity (all >76%) was unexplained by sensitivity or moderator analyses. The combination of P values for purchase requests was significant but no clear evidence was found for an association of marketing with purchasing. Data on dental health and body weight outcomes were scarce. The certainty of evidence was graded as very low to moderate for intake and choice, and very low for preference and purchasing.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, food marketing was associated with increased intake, choice, preference, and purchase requests in children and adolescents. Implementation of policies to restrict children's exposure is expected to benefit child health.

Association between Bifidobacterium and Scardovia Wiggsiae and caries-related factors in severe early childhood caries and caries-free Thai children: a quantitative real-time PCR analysis and a questionnaire cross-sectional study

AIMS

To quantitatively identify Bifidobacterium, S. wiggsiae and S. mutans in plaque samples obtained from children with severe-ECC and caries-free groups and to analyze their association with caries-related factors retrieved from the questionnaire in each group.

STUDY DESIGN

To establish the 2 study groups, clinical examination in 122 Thai children, aged 2-5 years, recorded decayed, missing and filled teeth scores (dmft), in addition to plaque and gingival indices. Sixty one children in the caries-free group and 61 in the S-ECC group were identified. A questionnaire was used to assess the parent's attitudes and behavior regarding the child's oral hygiene care and diet.

METHODS

Pooled overnight supra gingival plaque was collected from each child using a sterile toothpick, released in 1 ml of TE buffer, transported on ice to the Laboratory and stored at  - 20 °C. DNA was extracted from the plaque based on enzymatic lysis and quantitative real-time PCR using fluorescent dye (SYBR green) in addition to Agarose gel electrophoresis were performed. All laboratory and retrieved from the questionnaire data per child were recorded and statistically analysed.

RESULTS

S. wiggsiae (p < 0.005) and S. mutans (p < 0.001) were higher in the S-ECC group. Bifidobacterium, S. mutans, and S. wiggsiae were associated with the dmft score and gingival index (p < 0.001). The dmft scores of children who detected only S. mutans were significantly lower than the dmft scores of children who detected two bacteria; S. mutans + S. wiggsiae (p = 0.028), S. mutans + Bifidobacterium (p = 0.026), and three bacteria; S. mutans + Bifidobacterium + S. wiggsiae (p = 0.007). Children who found all three bacteria (Bi + Sm + Sw) had the highest dmft scores, followed by children who had two bacteria (Bi + Sw, or Bi + Sm, or Sw + Sm). The guardians' education levels, occupations, household income, prolonged bottle feeding, taking of water after bottle or breast feeding, eating sugar-coated crackers or bread with sweetened cream, and premature birth were the factors that related to S-ECC.

CONCLUSION

Levels of S. wiggsiae and S. mutans, guardian's education, family economics, prolonged bottle feeding, eating high sugar-containing snacks and premature birth were associated with S-ECC.

Mass media coverage in Health & Oral Health-related advertisements: A content analysis in Kerala, India

Background

In today's world, the mass media plays an important role, and it can provide a unified platform for all public health communication, comprehensive healthcare education, and guidelines. As a result, we investigated the various types of general health and oral health messages and advertisements broadcast through various forms of mass media.

Objective

The main objective is to identify & analyze the health & oral-health related dialogue and messages with the content of the mass media.

Method

ology: Content analysis of general health and oral health-related advertisements was done in various media, like the print media (magazines & newspapers), television (audio-visual) and radio stations (audio). The data was collected by an independent investigator, like prime time, advertisements, articles, and public service announcements (PSAs), etc., and the observations were recorded for subsequent analysis.

Results

Only n ​= ​753 incidents of health n ​= ​663 (88.1%) and oral health n ​= ​90 (11.9%) were reported during the study period, out of 6180 pages of published print media and 200 ​h of prime-time broadcast channel & station advertisements, respectively. There are n ​= ​506 incidents in the print media, implying that health n ​= ​481 (95.1%) and oral health n ​= ​25 (4.9%) are, respectively. Compared to other media, audio-visual media, n ​= ​229, show 26.7% of incidents of oral health information (n 58), while 73.3% of incidents are of general health information (n 171). Only 38.9% of oral health incidents (n ​= ​7) were broadcast during prime time.

Conclusion

The findings of this study may help promoters, policymakers, public health providers, and other stakeholders, to be more precise about general or oral health-related information to be effective in the messages the mass media have been utilizing and in improving future health.

The influence of television on the food habits of schoolchildren and its association with dental caries

OBJECTIVES

The consumption of food with a high-sugar content is encouraged by the food industry through television (TV) aimed at children and may be associated with dental caries. This study aims to evaluate the influence of TV on the food habits of schoolchildren aged years and its association with dental caries.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This was an observational, epidemiological, and cross-sectional study. Five neighborhoods of Belem District were selected, and then two schools from each neighborhood were drawn (one private and one public). All sixth and seventh grade students were selected. Data were extracted from questionnaires completed by schoolchildren and their parents and the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT/dmft) indices of the schoolchildren. The indices were carried out by three examiners previously calibrated (κ > .80). Logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the association of variables of study with consumption of cariogenic foods and occurrence of dental caries. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.

RESULTS

Schoolchildren who watched TV for >90 min were more likely to consume cariogenic foods (OR = 2.38; 95% CI [1.57, 3.60]) and have a DMFT + dmft >1 (OR = 2.10; 95% CI [1.37, 3.26]). Those who consumed cariogenic foods while watching TV were more likely to have DMFT + dmft >1 (OR = 14.75; 95% CI [8.24, 6.40]). Parents who bought foods they saw on TV contributed to a higher consumption of cariogenic foods (OR = 3.29; 95% CI [2.07, 5.24]) and DMFT + dmft >1 (OR = 3.93; 95% CI [2.09, 7.37]) among their children.

CONCLUSIONS

TV can influence the eating habits of schoolchildren aged 10 to 12 and the food purchases of their parents, stimulating the consumption of cariogenic foods and contributing to the development of dental caries.

Content of Food Advertising for Young Adolescents on Television

Background:

Food related advertisements on television may have a major influence on the dietary habits and obesity among young adolescents.

Objective:

To evaluate the frequency and typology of food advertisements on most popular television channels, watched by school-going young adolescents in Delhi.

Methodology:

Biphasic study to (a) identify the three television channels most frequently watched by administering a questionnaire to 400 school going young adolescents; and (b) view each of these channels for 2 hours per day for 6 days each, and observe the content of advertisements related to foods, beverages, and food outlets.

Results:

Four hundred and three food related advertisements were viewed over 36 hour on Discovery, MTV and Disney Channels. Among 235 food related advertisements 163 (69.3%) pertained to candies, chocolates and confectionary and 35 (14.8%) to salty snacks. Sugar sweetened soft drinks contributed 90 of 106 (85%) of beverage advertisements. Of 62 advertisements related to food outlets, 59 were of fast food joints.

Conclusion:

Majority of food advertising content on television most commonly watched by young adolescents is related to unhealthy foods and beverages, igh in energy and low in micronutrient content.

The short-term effects of television advertisements of cariogenic foods on children's dietary choices

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the short-term influence of the advertising of cariogenic foods on children's dietary preferences, and the possible moderating effect of several factors on this influence.

METHODS

One-hundred and eighty-three children, 11-12 years of age, were exposed to advertisements showing sugary food and non-food items, in a within-subject counterbalanced design. Their preferences for unhealthy and healthy foods, and their ability to recall or recognise the advertisements, were measured following both sessions. Information on their dietary habits, leisure activities and sociodemographic details were obtained through a questionnaire completed by their parents. Their decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) index, body weight and height were also recorded. A generalised linear mixed model was used to examine the differences in food preferences between experimental conditions, and the associations between children's preferences and the other factors assessed.

RESULTS

Exposure to food advertisements significantly decreased the selection of healthy foods. Children with a higher DMFT index chose a higher percentage of unhealthy foods, and children who spent more time watching television chose an increased number of healthy foods, after their exposure to food advertisements. Regardless of condition, girls selected fewer foods than boys. Children with a higher DMFT index selected more unhealthy foods than children with a lower DMFT index. Obese children chose an increased number of healthy foods than those who were overweight and normal weight.

CONCLUSIONS

Food advertisements can divert, for a short time, children's preference over healthy food choices, and could lead to changes in their eating habits, which may put them at higher risk of dental diseases and obesity.

Reading the mind of children in response to food advertising: a cross-sectional study of Malaysian schoolchildren's attitudes towards food and beverages advertising on television

BACKGROUND

Television food advertising (TVFA) is the most dominant medium in the obesogenic environment promoting unhealthy food choices in children.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study investigated children's attitudes towards TVFA by examining four well-cited induction factors namely advertisement recognition, favourite advertisement, purchase request, and product preference. Malaysian urban schoolchildren (7 to 12 years) of equal ethnic distribution were voluntarily recruited (n = 402). Questionnaire administration was facilitated using a food album of 24 advertised food products.

RESULTS

Majority of children were older (66.2 %), girls (56.7 %) with one-third either overweight or obese. TV viewing time for weekend was greater than weekdays (4.77 ± 2.60 vs 2.35 ± 1.40 h/day) and Malay children spent more time watching TV compared to Chinese (p < 0.001) and Indian (p < 0.05) children. Chinese children spent significantly more time surfing the internet compared to either Malay or Indian (p < 0.01). Median score trend was advertisement recognition > favourite advertisement and product preference > purchase request, and significantly greater (p < 0.001) for non-core than core food advertisements. TV viewing time and ethnicity significantly influenced all induction factors for non-core foods. After correcting for all influencing factors, 'favourite advertisement' (IRRfinal adj: 1.06; 95 % CI: 1.04 to 1.08), 'purchase request' (IRRfinal adj: 1.06; 95 % CI: 1.04 to 1.08) and 'product preference' (IRRfinal adj: 1.04; 95 % CI: 1.02 to 1.07) still were significantly associated with TV viewing time. For every additional hour of TV viewing, the incidence rates increased significantly by 1.04 to 1.06 for 'favourite advertisement', 'purchase request' and 'product preference' related to non-core foods amongst Malay and Indian children. However, Chinese children only demonstrated a significant association between TV viewing time and 'favourite advertisement' (IRRadj: 1.06; 95 % CI: 1.01 to 1.10).

CONCLUSION

This study highlights TVFA as a powerful medium predisposing the mind of children to non-core foods through appealing TV commercials, promoting purchase request and generating unhealthy food preferences in early childhood.

Comparison of the source of introduction to cariogenic food substance and caries prevalence in children

INTRODUCTION

Dental caries being a multi-factorial disease depends on lot of factors. Since awareness and exposure seems to have increased, in the present scenario it is difficult to assume that one particular source would increase the occurrence of dental caries. Children are exposed to different media sources and spend most of their free time watching them. They are attracted by messages of advertisers' and susceptible to stylish advertisements of foods often harmful to oral and general health.

AIM

To compare the effects of three different sources of introduction to cariogenic food substance among school children and their role in caries prevalence.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 300 school children were selected for the study and a questionnaire was prepared keeping in mind the various sources introducing cariogenic foods to children namely television advertisement, magazines/news paper, posters/banners. Following which oral examination will be done to determine the number of carious lesions in the subjects. The data will be acquired, computed and statistically analysed to compare the correlation between these sources and caries prevalence.

RESULTS

Children who watched television advertisements and asked for food items and soft drinks were found to have more caries and DMFT/dmft index.

CONCLUSION

A total ban on advertisements would not be practically possible. A more realistic approach would be to limit the number of advertisements that feature potentially cariogenic and unhealthy food products, and also ensure that they ideally carry statutory warnings.

The association between dental caries and television viewing among Chinese adolescents in Guangxi, China

BACKGROUND

Television viewing has been implicated as a possible risk factor for the increase in a number of chronic diseases, particularly those related to sedentary life style. Given the rapid economic and societal changes in China over the past few decades, this study aimed to examine the association between dental caries experience and television viewing among Chinese adolescents.

METHODS

This study utilized data pertaining to the province of Guangxi from the 2010 National Physical Fitness and Health Surveillance, a national survey of school children and adolescents in China. The survey used stratified sampling methods. Four experienced dentists conducted the clinical examination in each province. The survey included data on socio-demographic and behavioural factors including television viewing and a clinical dental examination. Regression models were used to examine the association between time spent viewing television and mean DMFT and untreated caries among 12-17 year-old adolescents, adjusting for age, sex, ethnicity, area of residence, and markers of dietary habits.

RESULTS

The prevalence of caries in this sample was 52.3%. Longer duration of television viewing was significantly and consistently associated with greater number for decayed teeth and higher DMFT among Chinese adolescents. The relationship persisted even after adjusting for demographic and behavioural factors. Being female, living in rural area, being of Zhuang ethnicity were all significantly associated with higher levels of dental caries.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed, for the first time in China, that television viewing is associated with risk of developing dental caries among adolescents. Future research should examine potential pathways linking television viewing and dental caries among Chinese adolescents.

Food marketing to children in India: comparative review of regulatory strategies across the world

Food marketing directed to children is an issue of concern in the present day society. Revolution in food industry, increasing globalization and boom in information technology has introduced various types of food products and the way they are placed in front of likely consumers. This has resulted in rising trend of obesity and switch from communicable to non-communicable diseases, which is not cost effective for nation as a whole. Multinational companies have targeted children as a naïve audience to boost their sales. In-ethical practice of misleading claims in the advertisements is instrumental in many cases. Food marketing to children has been assumed a public health threat since times of yore. World Health Organization has resolutions and recommendations on this subject. Member countries, including India are a signatory to this declaration. However, much needs to be done to counter these multinational food giants. Regulations and policies need to be enforced at national and institutional levels. Parents must be educated; schools and social organizations to be made proactive on this aspect.

Obesogenic television food advertising to children in Malaysia: sociocultural variations

BACKGROUND

Food advertising on television (TV) is well known to influence children's purchasing requests and models negative food habits in Western countries. Advertising of unhealthy foods is a contributor to the obesogenic environment that is a key driver of rising rates of childhood obesity. Children in developing countries are more at risk of being targeted by such advertising, as there is a huge potential for market growth of unhealthy foods concomitant with poor regulatory infrastructure. Further, in developing countries with multi-ethnic societies, information is scarce on the nature of TV advertising targeting children.

OBJECTIVES

To measure exposure and power of TV food marketing to children on popular multi-ethnic TV stations in Malaysia.

DESIGN

Ethnic-specific popular TV channels were identified using industry data. TV transmissions were recorded for each channel from November 2012 to August 2013 (16 hr/day) for randomly selected weekdays and weekend days during normal days and repeated during school holidays (n=88 days). Coded food/beverage advertisements were grouped into core (healthy), non-core (non-healthy), or miscellaneous (unclassified) food categories. Peak viewing time (PVT) and persuasive marketing techniques were identified.

RESULTS

Non-core foods were predominant in TV food advertising, and rates were greater during school holidays compared to normal days (3.51 vs 1.93 food ads/hr/channel, p<0.001). During normal days' PVT, the ratio of non-core to core food advertising was higher (3.25 food ads/hr/channel), and this more than trebled during school holidays to 10.25 food ads/hr/channel. Popular channels for Indian children had the lowest rate of food advertising relative to other ethnic groups. However, sugary drinks remained a popular non-core product advertised across all broadcast periods and channels. Notably, promotional characters doubled for non-core foods during school holidays compared to normal days (1.91 vs 0.93 food ads/hr/channel, p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights non-core food advertising, and predominantly sugary drinks are commonly screened on Malaysian TV channels. The majority of these sugary drinks were advertised by multinational companies, and this observation warrants regulatory attention.

Comparative evaluation of the influence of television advertisements on children and caries prevalence

Introduction

Children watch television during most of their free time. They are exposed to advertisers’ messages and are vulnerable to sophisticated advertisements of foods often detrimental to oral and general health.

Objectives

To evaluate the influence of television advertisements on children, the relationship with oral health and to analyze the content of those advertisements.

Methodology

A questionnaire-based study was performed among 600 schoolchildren of Mangalore, Karnataka, followed by oral examination. Based on the survey, favorite and non-favorite channels and viewing times were analyzed. Advertisements on children’s favorite and non-favorite channels were then viewed, analyzed, and compared.

Results

Higher caries prevalence was found among children who watched television and asked for more food and soft drinks. Cariogenic food advertisements were popular on children’s favorite channels.

Conclusion

Television advertisements may strongly influence children’s food preferences and eating habits, resulting in higher caries prevalence. Advertisements regarding healthy food, oral hygiene maintenance, prevention of diseases such as caries should be given priority for the benefit of the health of children.