Knowledge and attitude of children about soda and its effects on dental health

The consumption of carbonated beverages or soda drinks has increased due to media advertisements. These drinks have ill effects on dental as well as on general health especially in children and adolescent. Therefore, a study was carried out to check the knowledge and attitude of children in Saudi Arabia. A questionnaire-based study was conducted. It comprises of three parts i) demographic details ii) attitude toward consumption of soda drinks and iii) knowledge about soda drinks. A total of 393 primary elementary School Children age range 5 to 15 years old responded the questionnaire. 47.3% children drank soda on weekly basis. More than half participants did not have knowledge about the effects of soda on health (55.2%) and on teeth (53.9%). The knowledge of children about the effects of soda drinks on dental health in not convincing one. However, their attitude was relatively better. There is a need to improve their practices for prevention of dental and general health.