Influence of Screentime on Dietary Practices and Oral Hygiene of Preschool Children- A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Background/Aim: Children of present generation have increased access to media devices such as smart phones, television, laptops. The American Academy of pediatrics recommends that the screen time of children and adolescents should be limited to no more than 2h/day. The excessive use of these devices are associated with unhealthy lifestyle, irregular meals, snacking, which can be detrimental to their general health and particularly oral health. This influences oral hygiene practices and cariogenic food consumption which may lead to increased plaque accumulation and dental caries. So the aim of this study is to find the influence of screen time of devices on oral health of preschool children using questionnaire given to parents.

Methodology: The study is conducted among 500 preschool children aged 3- 6 years who visits department of pediatric and preventive dentistry, with their parents. Questionnaire was formulated and distributed to parents during their children’s dental visit. All results were subjected to statistical analysis.

Conclusion: This study concluded that screen time have an influence on oral health of preschool children