Sweet Taste Perception and Dental Caries Experience among Preschool Children: A Critical review

Aim: The review aimed to analyze the relationship between sweet taste perception and dental caries among preschool children. Methodology: A literature search was conducted using PubMed, CINAHL, Dentistry, and Oral Sciences Source, and SCOPUS databases using the keywords "taste perception," "sweet taste," "dental caries," and "dental decay." The selection process involves two cycles. The inclusion criteria are documents that reported; sweet taste perception, dental caries experience, preschool children and written in English, and the exclusion criteria are; adults, review articles, letters to the editor, and case reports. The Newcastle Ottawa scale used for the quality analysis of the included studies.Results: 344 titles and abstracts were retrieved during the initial search. Upon screening and exclusion, only three articles were eligible for final analysis. The included studies were conducted in the United States of America, Brazil, and India, with sample sizes ranging from 38 to 191 children. Two studies were conducted in dental clinic settings, while one was in an educational center. Among the three studies, two studies achieved unsatisfactory scores, and one study with achieved a good score.Conclusions: Sweet taste perception and preference contribute to ECC. However, other important factors should be explored to employ various approaches to combat this disease.