Snacking habits of secondary school adolescents and awareness of their effects on the teeth

The study assessed the snacking habits of secondary school adolescents and their awareness of the effects of diet on the teeth. the survey was conducted among students attending two secondary schools located in obafemi awolowo university campus,ile ife nigeria. information was collected by self-administered questionnaires through the school class teachers. 422 questionnaires were analyzed with 240 (56.8%) females and 182 (43.1) males. biscuit is the most consumed snack with fresh fruits,doughnut,sweets,chocolate and ice cream having scores above the average. water is the most consumed drink at meal times (45.5%) while soft drink drinks are the most consumed in-between meal (58.3%). taste mostly determines the choice of food and drinks. fresh oranges,fresh pineapple,salad,fruit juice,bread,milk and lime were perceived to be good for the teeth. 29.9% had previous dietary advice. 0.5% brushed more than twice/day. a generally accepted sugary food is the most consumed snack with erosive drinks preferred in- between meals. choice of food is determined by taste and cost. there exists inappropriate knowledge about the dental effects of some erosive and carious diet; inadequate dietary advice; and poor oral hygiene practices.