Sweetened Beverages Consumption and Self-Reported Oral Health among Young Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study in Peshawar

Sweetened beverage consumption has become a growing concern due to its potential negative effects on oral health, particularly among young adults. Objectives: To assess the consumption patterns and self-reported oral health of sweetened beverages among young adults in Peshawar. To evaluate the association of self-reported oral health and sweetened beverage consumption among young adults. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 163 young adults in Peshawar. An online questionnaire was sent to study participants via convenience sampling. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS 26. The chi-square test was employed to assess the association between different categorical variables and p<0.05 was considered significant. Results: The mean age of the participants was 19.37 + 1.57 years. Soda was the most frequently consumed beverage (33.1%), followed by energy drinks (11.7%), favored tea (9.8%), packed juices (11.7%), and other beverages (14.8%). Around 41.7% of the participants experienced tooth sensitivity, 41.1% had dental caries and 37.4% had gum problems. Significantly more female than male consumed sweetened beverages daily. Conclusions: A positive link between increased intake of sugary drinks and poor oral health. To tackle this issue, it is crucial to implement public health initiatives, school-based programs, and policy reforms aimed at reducing sugary drink consumption and enhancing oral health.