ABSTRACT
AIM: The recent increase in consumption of acidic beverages is thought to be the leading cause of dental erosion observed among adolescents. The study assessed the drinking habits of Adolescent Secondary School Students and also evaluated their tooth sensitivity experience. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The survey was conducted among adolescent secondary school students. Purposely, students in boarding hostels were excluded. The sample was selected from twelve public and private secondary schools through the class teachers. RESULTS: 582 questionnaires were analyzed (294) females, 288 males . Soft drinks were the most consumed (97%) beverage, predominantly by females (94.6%) . Parents especially the mother mostly consume soft drinks. (78%) pointed out that that soft drinks are good in between meals and also 64% indicated that soft drinks are good for the teeth. Participants that preferred drinks at normal room temperature experienced the most tooth sensitivity. Majority (42.3% use straw but the most tooth sensitivity experience (63.3%) associated with long sipping. A statistically significant difference (X=0.252; df=1; p=0.005) in tooth sensitivity experience found between those that swish their drinks and those that did not. CONCLUSION: Soft drinks were the most consumed with a faulty believe that soft drinks are good in9between meals and for the teeth. Tooth sensitivity experience is common with preference for drinks at room temperature and long sipping. Swishing drinks is associated with tooth sensitivity.