Consumption of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages and Dental Caries Among Children Aged 5 to 10 Years in Gombe State

Frequent consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages in early childhood is a recognised risk factor for dental caries, one of the most common preventable childhood diseases globally. This study investigates the relationship between sugar-sweetened beverage consumption and the prevalence of dental caries among children aged 5 to 10 years in Gombe Local Government Area, Gombe State, North East Nigeria. The increasing penetration of commercial beverages into small-scale retail outlets in North East Nigerian communities has made these products highly accessible to young children. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 280 children enrolled in public primary schools and examined by a qualified dental officer. Caries prevalence was determined using the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth index applied to both primary and permanent dentitions. Beverage consumption frequency and quantity were assessed through structured interviews with parents and caregivers using a modified food frequency questionnaire. Socioeconomic data, oral hygiene practices, and fluoride exposure were also collected as potential confounders. Findings are expected to show a significant positive association between daily sugar-sweetened beverage consumption and caries prevalence, with poor oral hygiene practices as a compounding factor. These results will support school-based oral health and nutrition education programmes in Gombe State. Keywords: sugar-sweetened beverages, dental caries, children, Gombe State, oral health.