ANALYSIS OF THE RESULTS OF THE QUESTIONNAIRE OF CHILDREN WITH ORTHODONTIC PATHOLOGY REGARDING THEIR FOOD HABITS

Abstract

Actuality. Harmful eating habits of children with orthodontic pathology in combination with increased consumption of carbohydrates worsens the hygienic condition of the oral cavity and increases the risk of dental caries and periodontal diseases. The aim of the research is to determine the peculiarities of the diet of children with orthodontic pathology by analyzing the results of their questionnaire. Materials and methods. A questionnaire regarding the peculiarities of the use of food products was conducted among 95 children aged 14 to 17 years who had orthodontic pathology. In the presence of their parents, the children independently filled out a specially designed questionnaire in a Google form, which contained 12 questions with a multiple-choice answer. Research results. According to the results of the questionnaire, it was established that a significant part of the children who answered the questions do not follow the recommended schedule of main meals, giving preference to quick "snacks". More than half of the children indicated that they finish the main meal with sweets, snacks or carbonated sugary drinks. Every day or several times a week, almost three quarters of the surveyed children use various sweet confectionery products. The vast majority of children like liquid or soft food, while eating solid food they "get tired" quickly or even immediately. Conclusion. The analysis of the results of the questionnaire shows that the majority of surveyed children with orthodontic pathology do not have a "healthy diet", there is almost no regular chewing activity, their diet is overloaded with sweets, which in conditions of difficult hygienic care of the oral cavity increases the risks of dental caries and periodontal disease.