Effectiveness of a Nutritional Counseling Tool in Reducing the Amount and Frequency of Sugar Intake

Effectiveness of a Nutritional Counseling Tool in Reducing the Amount and Frequency of Sugar Intake: A Pilot Clinical Trial

The purpose of the study is to assess the effectiveness of nutritional counselling on added sugar consumption, frequency of snacking and caries experiences expressed as Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth score (DMFT).

The study involves two visits: the first lasting approximately 30-45 minutes, and the second about 15 minutes that occurs 2 weeks after the first visit.

Procedures and Activities. Subjects will be assigned to either the control or intervention group by the toss of a coin. Subjects will provide information about their personal health history, including age, gender, and race/ethnicity. Subjects will undergo an oral examination to assess dental health through a DMFT score, which measures decayed, missing, and filled teeth. Additionally, the daily added sugar consumption will be calculated using an app called "Sugar Intake calculator." For the control group, no further nutritional advice will be given, while participants in the intervention group will receive additional guidance on sugar consumption using a tool called Stephan's curve. A log will be given to the subjects to track their daily snacking frequency and what type and amount of snack it entailed. After two weeks, subjects will return for a follow-up to evaluate any changes in dental health, sugar consumption, and snacking habits.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Subjects are 18 years or older
• Subjects who will comply with study protocol
• Subjects who can read and speak English
• Subjects available during the study period

Exclusion Criteria:

• Subjects under the age of 18
• Subjects have less than 20 teeth