Screen time, sleep disturbances, and dental caries in adolescents and young children: an emerging public health concern
Abstract
Dental caries is one of the leading morbidities affecting adolescents globally, with a significant proportion of adolescents continuing to experience untreated decay, pain, and functional restrictions. Increased screen time has been associated with poor oral health outcomes in both adolescent and pediatric populations, although direct evidence in adolescents is limited. Current evidence suggests an association between sleep deprivation and dental caries, although the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. There is an urgent need to adopt a comprehensive set of interventions to minimize the magnitude of this problem. In conclusion, screen time, sleep deprivation, and dental caries are closely associated and may interact through several behavioral and biological pathways. Protecting adolescent health will require concerted efforts to promote device-free bedtimes, regular sleep schedules, and twice-daily fluoride brushing.
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