Assessment of Junk Food Intake, Oral Hygiene Practices, and Dental Plaque among Adolescents

Background: Dietary habits, particularly the frequent consumption of junk food rich in sugars and refined carbohydrates, play a significant role in the development of dental plaque and dental caries among children and adolescents. With changing lifestyle patterns, school-aged children are increasingly exposed to unhealthy dietary practices, posing risks to both oral and general health. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted among 50 students aged 14–18 years from Grades 10 to 12. Data on dietary habits, oral hygiene practices, dental service utilization, and health awareness were collected using a structured questionnaire. Clinical oral examination was performed to assess dental caries using the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Surfaces (DMFS) index and oral hygiene status was recorded. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. Descriptive statistics and correlation analysis were performed. Results: Frequent junk food consumption was common among participants, with evening snacking being predominant. Chips and other processed snacks were the most frequently consumed items.Regular dental visits and professional tooth cleaning were notably low. A very weak positive correlation was observed between plaque score and DMFS (r = 0.137), indicating a slight, non-significant increase in caries experience with increasing plaque levels. Conclusion: The study highlights a high prevalence of unhealthy dietary practices and suboptimal oral hygiene behaviors among adolescents, coupled with inadequate utilization of preventive dental services.