THE IMPACT OF DIET AND LIFESTYLE ON ORAL HEALTH. A CASE STUDY OF OTERI COMMUNITY IN UGHELLI LGA, DELTA STATE
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THE IMPACT OF DIET AND LIFESTYLE ON ORAL HEALTH. A CASE STUDY OF OTERI COMMUNITY IN UGHELLI LGA, DELTA STATE
ABSTRACT
Oral health plays a vital role in overall well-being, yet it is strongly influenced by diet and lifestyle practices that vary across communities. This study examines the impact of diet and lifestyle on oral health in Oteri Community, located in Ughelli Local Government Area of Delta State. The research aims to assess how dietary habits, oral hygiene practices, substance use, and cultural behaviours influence the prevalence of oral health problems such as dental caries, gum disease, tooth discoloration, and mouth infections. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, and data were collected using structured questionnaires administered to residents across different age groups within the community. The findings reveal that frequent consumption of sugary foods, inadequate oral hygiene practices, and lifestyle factors such as smoking and alcohol intake significantly increase the risk of poor oral health outcomes. The study also shows that limited awareness and low utilization of dental care services contribute to high oral health challenges in the community. It concludes that improving oral health in Oteri Community requires targeted health education, community-based awareness campaigns, improved access to dental care, and promotion of healthy dietary and lifestyle choices. The study recommends collaboration between health authorities, community leaders, and dental professionals to implement sustainable oral health interventions.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
Oral health is an integral component of overall well-being, influencing essential functions such as eating, speaking, and social interaction (World Health Organization, 2021). Globally, oral diseases—particularly dental caries, periodontal diseases, and oral cancers—remain major public health problems, affecting approximately 3.5 billion people (Petersen et al., 2020). The prevalence of these diseases is strongly linked to individual diet and lifestyle choices, such as consumption of sugary foods, tobacco use, alcohol intake, and poor oral hygiene practices (Sheiham & James, 2015).
Diet plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health because the types and frequency of food consumption affect the integrity of the teeth and supporting structures. High intake of fermentable carbohydrates has been widely associated with dental caries, while deficient consumption of vitamins and minerals predisposes individuals to gum diseases (Moynihan & Kelly, 2014). Lifestyle factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol intake, and inadequate brushing habits also contribute significantly to oral health problems (Peres et al., 2019).
In Nigeria, oral diseases continue to rise due to changing dietary patterns, including increased consumption of processed foods, snacks, and sugary beverages (Adeniyi et al., 2018). Rural communities such as Oteri in Ughelli Local Government Area are not exempt from these trends, as modernization and shifting lifestyles influence residents’ dietary choices and health behaviours. Limited awareness about oral hygiene, low access to dental care, and cultural food habits may further exacerbate oral health issues in the community (Okeigbemen, 2019).
Understanding how diet and lifestyle contribute to oral health conditions in Oteri Community is essential to designing targeted interventions and promoting preventive oral health practices. This study therefore investigates the dietary habits, lifestyle behaviours, and oral health status of residents, with a view to developing community-specific recommendations.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Despite growing evidence that diet and lifestyle play critical roles in determining oral health outcomes, many individuals in rural Nigerian communities continue to experience preventable oral diseases (Adeniyi et al., 2018). In Oteri Community, anecdotal observations suggest increasing consumption of sugary snacks, soft drinks, and refined carbohydrates, especially among children and young adults. Additionally, lifestyle practices such as irregular tooth brushing, use of tobacco products, and inadequate dental visits are common.
These behaviours contribute to rising cases of dental caries, periodontal diseases, halitosis, and tooth loss, which impact quality of life and economic productivity (Peres et al., 2019). However, there is limited empirical research specifically examining the link between diet, lifestyle, and oral health in Oteri Community. Without such evidence, policymakers, health educators, and dental practitioners lack data to design effective interventions in the area.
The problem this study addresses is thus the inadequate understanding of how dietary patterns and lifestyle behaviours influence oral health among residents of Oteri Community in Ughelli LGA.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The main objective of this study is to examine the impact of diet and lifestyle on oral health in Oteri Community, Ughelli LGA, Delta State.
The specific objectives are to:
Identify the common dietary habits of residents of Oteri Community.
Examine lifestyle factors (e.g., oral hygiene practices, smoking, alcohol use) that influence oral health among residents.
Assess the prevalence of oral health problems in the community.
Determine the relationship between diet, lifestyle, and oral health outcomes among residents.
Proffer recommendations for improving oral health through dietary and lifestyle modifications.
1.4 Research Questions
What are the common dietary habits of residents of Oteri Community?
What lifestyle practices influence oral health among residents?
What is the prevalence of oral health challenges in Oteri Community?
How do diet and lifestyle relate to oral health outcomes among residents?
What strategies can improve oral health through better diet and lifestyle practices?
1.5 Research Hypotheses
The study will test the following hypotheses:
H₁: There is a significant relationship between dietary habits and oral health status in Oteri Community.
H₂: There is a significant relationship between lifestyle practices and oral health status in Oteri Community.
H₀: There is no significant relationship between diet, lifestyle, and oral health among residents.
1.6 Significance of the Study
This study is significant in several ways:
For the Community:
It will raise awareness on how daily dietary and lifestyle choices affect oral health, encouraging healthier behaviours.
For Health Practitioners:
Findings will provide evidence-based insights that can guide dental care outreach programs and community oral health education initiatives.
For Policymakers:
The study will support the development of targeted interventions aimed at reducing oral disease burden in rural communities.
For Researchers:
It contributes to existing literature on oral health determinants in Nigeria, providing a reference for future studies.
1.7 Scope of the Study
The study focuses on the relationship between diet, lifestyle, and oral health among residents of Oteri Community in Ughelli LGA, Delta State. It covers dietary habits, oral hygiene practices, substance use, and incidence of oral health problems. The scope includes both adolescents and adults residing in the community.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
Possible limitations include:
Self-reported data may be subject to bias.
Limited access to professional dental examination in the community.
Time and resource constraints that may restrict sample size.
Despite these limitations, the study provides valuable insights into oral health determinants in Oteri Community.
1.9 Definition of Key Terms
Diet: The types and frequency of foods and drinks consumed by an individual.
Lifestyle: Daily behavioural patterns including oral hygiene practices, smoking, alcohol intake, and physical habits.
Oral Health: The state of the mouth, teeth, gums, and related structures that enables normal function and absence of disease.
Dental Caries: Tooth decay caused by bacterial activity on sugars and starches.
Periodontal Disease: Infections affecting the gum and supporting structures of the teeth.
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