ABSTRACT
This study was conducted to determine prevalence of dental caries and to assess the correlation between dietary habits and caries prevalence among primary school children in Ismailia City. A total of 2317 primary school children, ageing from 6 to 11 years of high and low socio-economic levels were examined to detect dmfs. DMFS and to calculate number of sugary snacks /week. Correlations between number of sugary snacks /week and number of affected surfaces in primary and permanent teeth were studied. The results of this study showed that: In permanent teeth the prevalence of dental caries increases with age. There is no significant difference in caries experience between boys and girls. Children of low socio-economic level had higher caries scores than children of high socio-economic level. There is a strong and significant correlation between number of sugary snacks taken by children and dental caries prevalence in both primary and permanent teeth