Sedentary behavior, unhealthy food consumption and dental caries in 12-year-old schoolchildren: a population-based study

This study analyzed the association between sedentary behavior (SB), unhealthy food consumption, and dental caries amongst 12-year-old schoolchildren. An epidemiological survey was carried out in five largest cities (> 80,000 inhabitants) of State Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Data were collected on decayed, missing filled teeth index (DMFT), sociodemographic characteristics, SB, water fluoridation status. The analysis based theoretical framework established by J Sisson. Structural equation models performed to test experience with sociodemographic, contextual, behavioral factors. mean DMFT 1.02 (95%CI: 0.39–1.66). Higher (more than 2 hours/day) [standardized coefficient (SC) = 0.21 95%CI: 0.07–0.39] higher consumption 4 times/week) [SC 0.23 (0.10–0.45)] associated their counterparts. Also, fluoridated lower ?0.85 (-1.20–-0.50)]. Families who had a per capita income above poverty line direct ?0.24 (-0.38–-0.11)]. Unhealthy mediated [SC=0.07 (0.02–0.13)]. Sensitivity confirmed findings. Sedentary significant experience. Public policies must address transdisciplinary actions reduce promote fluoridation.