Effect of dietary habits on laser fluorescence values of visually sound occlusal surfaces among Finnish schoolchildren.

Aim: This study was designed to ascertain whether schoolchildren with unfavourable dietary habits have higher values for laser fluorescence on clinically sound occlusal tooth surfaces than do those who have favourable dietary habits.

Design: The study was conducted in two phases. In the first phase, 462 children aged 13-14 years answered a questionnaire on dietary habits. The children were ranked according to a total score based on the presumed harmfulness of their dietary habits. One hundred children with the lowest and highest dietary scores were invited to the second phase of the study consisting of a visual examination, laser fluorescence scanning of premolars and molars, and an oral self-care questionnaire.

Results: Seventy-four and 76 children with favourable and unfavourable habits, respectively, were examined. A total of 1221 sound occlusal surfaces were scanned. Children with unfavourable dietary habits had higher median laser fluorescence values than did those with favourable habits (P < 0.0246). The effect of dietary habits was strongest in molars.

Conclusion: High laser fluorescence values on several clinically sound occlusal surfaces of a child may indicate unfavourable dietary habits.