A Preliminary Investigation into the Dietary and Oral Practices Associated with Fractured Teeth and Prostheses in a Trinidadian Population

OBJECTIVES: This preliminary study seeks to determine the relationship between fractured teeth, restorations, prostheses, and specific dietary practices. METHODOLOGY: Anonymous questionnaires were randomly distributed to a convenience sample of Trinidadian adults at various locations around the country, after gaining consent. Data were analyzed using the software; Statistical Package for the Social Sciences for significant associations between various types of food and broken teeth or prosthesis using odds ratios. RESULTS: Three hundred questionnaires were completed. Seventy-five percent of the patients preferred crunchy or hard foods and 51% of the respondents liked crushing bones, mostly chicken bones. It was observed that respondents with a dietary preference for fried whole chana, split chana, crab, and sugarcane were significantly associated with broken dentures. Respondents eating whole chana also had a significant association with broken teeth and broken dentures. Associations were found between some dietary preferences, ethnicities, and age groups. CONCLUSIONS: Significant associations between age, ethnicity, sex, and certain dietary practices and habits were found. There also appears to be a significant relationship between patients with fractured teeth, restorations, and prostheses with certain dietary preferences.