Interplay of Sweet Taste Perception and Streptococcus mutans Colonization in Children: A Cross-sectional Study
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: factors, contribute to variations in food intake.5,7 Various physiological mechanisms, mediated by changes in hormone and neurotransmitter activity, govern appetite by modulating shortterm feeding behavior and long-term energy regulation.Genetic mutations affecting these hormones, neurotransmitters, their receptors, or related modulators may contribute to disorders in eating behavior, diet-related diseases, and obesity.Additionally, personal diet choices are shaped by cultural, religious, and environmental factors, as well as individual experiences and learned habits, all of which affect taste preferences and influence food consumption.8 Taste perception is a factor that influences food intake and can affect satiety and appetite regulation.9 Taste perception, particularly, the preference for sweet tastes and sensitivity to bitter tastes, can influence caries risk, with studies showing a correlation IntroductIonDental caries is one of the most prevalent chronic microbial infections, posing a major public health concern as it affects individuals from early childhood through adulthood.It is one of the health issues which impacts humans globally, affecting both permanent and primary dentition.Untreated painful dental caries may negatively impact children's physical health, psychological development, and their academic, as well as everyday functioning. 1 The oral cavity harbors a variety of microbial colonies.Among them, Streptococcus mutans is often referred to as the "arch criminal" in the context of dental caries because it is a key bacterial species that contributes to the formation of caries by metabolizing sugars into acids, forming biofilms, and promoting enamel demineralization through its virulence factors. 2 Among dietary components, sucrose is regarded as a major causative factor in caries formation.Higher consumption frequency of sugary foods and drinks has consistently shown a positive relationship with caries prevalence.3,4 Multiple factors determine the frequency of sugar intake, among which environmental and genetic factors have shown to play a significant role.5,6 The fundamental determinant of food selection is taste, which has shown to have inter individual variation.Several determinants, such as individual experiences, acquired dietary habits, hormonal influences, neurotransmitters, and genetic 1-
Language: English
Subfield: Periodontics
Field: Dentistry
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7140179519