Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of preschool children's taste preferences on their intake of nutrients and the degree of dental caries. The subjects were 126 preschool children (boys 62 and girls 64) in Daegu area. Their taste preferences and food intake were investigated and their teeth were also examined. The energy intake of boys (1550 kcal) were significantly higher than that of girls (1441 kcal). Daily dietary intakes of nutrients-except niacin and vitamin C-were higher than those of RDA. Vitamin B1 intake of the group preferring a salty taste was significantly lower than that of the other group (p < 0.05). Vitamin B2 intake of the group preferring a salty taste was significantly higher than that of the other group (p < 0.05). Vitamin C intake of the group preferring a hot taste was significantly higher than that of the other group (p < 0.05). The group with a preference for sweet had more experiences of dental caries and more decayed teeth than the other group, but which is not significant. The experiences of dental caries were negatively correlated with protein intake (p < 0.01). The decayed teeth were negatively correlated with energy and protein intakes (p < 0.01). Our data suggested that taste preferences are associated with vitamins intake and the degree of dental caries in preschool children. It means the sweet preference increased the experiences of the dental caries.

• Keywords: taste preference; nutrient intake; dental caries; preschool children