Dental Problems Present among Healthcare Professionals in Pakistan due to the Consumption of Carbonated Drinks

Abstract

Objective: To comprehend the association between frequencies of consumption of carbonated drinks and oral
complications as well as to recognize the practices of healthcare workers regarding intake of carbonated drinks.
Study Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at Department of Community and Preventive Dentistry,
CMH-Lahore Medical College and Institute of Dentistry Lahore, Pakisttan from October 2021 to May 2022.
Methods: The study was conducted on recognized MBBS, BDS, and Allied Health Science healthcare
professionals from urban and rural areas of Pakistan. A pre-tested questionnaire was filled out by 1930
healthcare workers from government and private setups. Frequency and cross-tabulation analysis was done to
obtain chi-squared results and P values.
Results: Almost 90.6% of respondents were consumers and 9.3% weren't or had stopped consumption. From
the daily consumers 85% had cavities, 84% had sensitivity . 97% of them had discoloration and 87% had erosion.
It was found that increased frequency of consumption caused more of the above-mentioned dental effects and
the P-value was found to be significant.
Conclusion: This study suggests that increased frequency of consumption can cause cavities, sensitivity,
discoloration, and erosion of teeth. There is a need to create awareness among the general public by healthcare
givers, about the injurious effects of carbonated drinks.