Oral health and dietary habits: results of the 6th German Oral Health Study (DMS • 6).

The MSI-S scores demonstrated that particularly cariogenic dietary habits, as opposed to more favorable ones (extreme groups), are associated with increased caries experience. This was especially evident among 12-year-olds but also observed in younger seniors. The lack of differences among adults as well as the absence of significant associations between dietary habits and clinical variables in the overall groups suggest that the impact of cariogenic diets on oral health is moderated by additional variables, such as oral hygiene practices and dental service utilization. Migration history was identified as a relevant factor among 12-year-olds. The detrimental effects of cariogenic dietary habits on oral health are most evident when analyzed in the context of additional influencing factors and stratified by target groups. Promoting oral health awareness regarding nutrition is particularly important for adolescents and seniors.