Assessing the Cariogenicity of Snack and Lunch Box Content of School-going Children: A Cross-sectional Study in Chennai

Background: Dental caries remains one of the most prevalent chronic diseases among school-going children and is strongly influenced by dietary habits, particularly the frequent consumption of cariogenic foods during school hours. Snacks and lunch box contents constitute a significant portion of children’s daily dietary intake; however, limited data are available regarding their cariogenic potential in urban Indian school settings. The study aims to assess the cariogenicity of snack and lunch box contents consumed by school-going children in Chennai. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among school-going children aged 6–9 years in selected schools of Chennai. Data regarding snack and lunch box contents were collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire and direct observation. The cariogenicity of food items was assessed using established cariogenic food classification criteria. Dental caries status was recorded using the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (dmft/DMFT) index. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, with the level of significance set at p < 0.05. Results: A high prevalence of cariogenic food consumption was observed, with frequent intake of sugar-rich packaged snacks, confectioneries, and sweetened beverages during school hours. Children consuming highly cariogenic foods showed significantly higher dmft scores compared to those consuming non-cariogenic or minimally cariogenic foods. Despite adequate maternal education levels, unhealthy dietary practices were prevalent, indicating the influence of school food environments and accessibility of processed foods. Conclusion: The study highlights a substantial cariogenic potential of snacks and lunch box contents consumed by school-going children in Chennai, underscoring the need for targeted school-based dietary interventions, parental education, and policy-driven regulation of unhealthy food availability within school premises.