EFFECT OF DIET AND DIETARY HABITS ON THE DENTAL TISSUES OF ANCIENT AND CURRENT POPULATION IN SUDAN
Authors: Abdallah Razaz M.S. , Gareeb Abbas , Imam Syed Nazar , Elhassan Yasir Hassan 
Published: November 2024

Introduction: The impact of diet and dietary habits on oral health is a significant area of research that explores how
different foods and eating patterns influence the health of teeth and gums. Poor dietary choices can lead to dental
problems such as dental caries, gum disease, and enamel erosion, while a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients can promote oral health.
Understanding these relationships is crucial for developing effective strategies to prevent oral diseases and improve overall health. The transition
in dietary habits from ancient to modern times in Sudan reveals significant changes influenced by cultural, economic, and environmental factors.
Ancient Sudanese diets primarily consisted of locally sourced grains, fruits, vegetables, and occasional meat, reflecting an agricultural lifestyle.
In contrast, contemporary Sudanese diets have become more varied and often include processed foods, imported items, and increased sugar
consumption, which has implications for both general and oral health. This shift underscores the importance of understanding historical dietary
patterns to address current nutritional challenges and health outcomes. This study aims to: Invest Aim igate the food type and variations in
dietary habits from ancient to contemporary Sudanese populations, and examine the impact of these dietary changes on oral health, particularly
the prevalence of dental problems. Across sectional study was done in Khartoum state, comparing anc Methodology: ient from Marawi
(albejrawya) and current population in Khartoum state. 44 sample, 22 jaws of ancient and 22 similar current populations participate. The 22
ancient remains were examined and measured directly, while the 22 modern participants filled the diet and dietary habits questioner then
examined intra orally and the findings recorded on the examination sheet which includes Occlusion, caries, tooth wears. Calculus and staining.
Result: According to the result of overall the percentage of calculus in ancient was 36.3% and current population was 22.7% and the staining of
ancient was 36.6% and 27.2% incurrent population. The percentage of malocclusion in ancient is less than current populatio, ideal alignment of
teeth in ancient was 90.9% and 59% in current population. Ancient tooth rotation about 4.5% from total number but 18.1% in current population.
The spacing (diastema) was 4.5% in ancient and 36.3% in current population. There was no impaction in ancient, but it was 22.7% in modern
population. The study reveals significant insights into how diet changes over time impact oral heal Conclusion th. The shift from traditional,
nutrient-rich diets of ancient civilizations like the Kushites to more varied and often processed modern diets has led to a noticeable increase in
dental problems, such as caries and gum disease. These findings highlight the critical role of diet in maintaining dental health and underscore the
importance of promoting healthy eating habits to mitigate oral health issues in contemporary populations.