Association between added sugar intake and dental caries in Yup’ik children using a novel hair biomarker

Abstract

Added sugar intake as assessed by hair biomarker was significantly and positively associated with tooth decay in our sample of Yup'ik children. Self-reported dietary measures were not associated tooth decay. Most added sugars were from sugar-sweetened fruit drinks consumed at home. Future dietary interventions aimed at improving the oral health of Alaska Native children should consider use of objective biomarkers to assess and measure changes in home-based added sugar intake, particularly sugar-sweetened fruit drinks.