The influence of television advertisement on diet habits

Abstract

Knowing the rule of sugar on the etiology of dental decay, the aim of this study was to search the influence of television advertisement on the consume of sugared products by children. This study was carried out by six 4th-year dental students from the UFSM, who observed the broadcasting shown of six distinct TVchannels: Rede Globo, Cartoon Network, SBT, TV Educativa,TVCultura and Manchetefrom8:00h to 12:00 h, during six days. To compile all data, it was employed a record in which was shown the time and extension of each TV interval, the product advertised, as well as its influence on the diet habits. It was concluded that TV advertisement of sugared products reach infants with the objective of influence children consume. This reinforces the incorrect diet habits accepted as socially normal. It was also observed that some TVchannels did not present any advertisement that could influenced our diet habits. Key words: diet habits, cariogenic diet, sugar.