Journal of Dental Research, Vol 56, 11-16, Copyright © 1977 by International & American Associations for Dental Research Online Journals
Dental plaque and dietary intakes in schoolchildren in Hawaii
C. S. Chung, J. H. Hankin, W. Miyamoto and M. C. Kau
Plaque formation on the teeth as measured by the number of teeth with a
heavy plaque accumulation was found to be influenced by diet. Accumulation
of plaque was enhanced by the frequent consumption of food items such as
sweet rolls, sweet breads, manapua, and poi. All of these are characterized
by their sucrose content and stickiness. However, fruit drinks were shown
to have a retarding effect on plaque growth. The information on the amount
of plaque had little relationship with the dental caries status of the
subjects, whereas it was significantly associated with periodontal health.
