@article{article_1591957, title={Dietary Habits and Oral Health: A Study in Kocaeli}, journal={Balıkesir Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi}, volume={14}, pages={654–664}, year={2025}, DOI={10.53424/balikesirsbd.1591957}, author={Tutuş, Dilan and Karimkhani, Hadi}, keywords={Oral health, Nutrition, Health, Dental caries, DMFT, OHIP-14 TR}, abstract={Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between dietary habits and oral health among 169 patients who applied to a private dental clinic in Kocaeli, Turkey, with complaints of dental caries. Materials and Methods: The study included 56 adult men (33.1%) and 113 adult women (66.9%). Data were collected using a questionnaire, a three-day dietary food records, and the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14 TR). Participants also underwent an oral examination to determine the number of teeth affected by caries. Results: The participants’ mean DMFT (Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth) score was 5.71±2.74. Body mass index (BMI) classifications showed that 66.9% were average weight, with a mean BMI of 23.38±3.70 kg/m2. The mean OHIP-14 SC and OHIP-14 A scores were 22.67±6.24 and 5.85±3.15, respectively. Significant associations were found between protein intake and OHIP-14 SC scores, as well as between the frequency of dairy consumption and oral health scores (p <0.05). Participants who consumed sugary foods and beverages had poorer oral health than those who did not (p <0.05). Conclusion: Dietary habits can influence general and oral health. Maintaining good oral hygiene, regular dental check-ups, and attention to food choices and consumption frequency are essential for promoting and preserving oral health.}, number={3}, publisher={Balıkesir University}