Early Childhood Feeding Practices and Its Association with Early Childhood Caries

Roszanadia Rusali,Nur Najwa Hamali,Fadhilah Muhammad Razi,Nor Azwani Mohd Shukri,Norashikin Mustafa,Nor Asilah Harun

doi:10.12691/jfnr-7-11-7

Abstract

Early childhood caries (ECC) is one of the most prevalent dental diseases among children and is related to their early feeding practices. This multi-factorial disease involves susceptible tooth and host, fermentable carbohydrates in the diet, cariogenic micro-organisms and time (American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, 2008). Thus, this study aimed to identify the associations between bottle-feeding and weaning practices, and ECC formation. By using convenience sampling, 201 children were recruited from the IIUM Outpatient Dental Clinic and ten kindergartens around the area of Kuantan, in the state of Pahang (Malaysia). Examination for caries was conducted visually to determine caries status (with or without caries). The caregivers were requested to fill in a questionnaire regarding feeding practices of their children. The findings of the study indicated that 67% of the children identified with caries practiced bottle-feeding in bed either sometimes or always (every night/day) (p=0.005). The prevalence of ECC was also significantly (p4 years) among the study population. In addition, the mean intake of sweetened drinks among children with ECC was significantly higher than those with no ECC (5.4 vs. 3.1 servings/week, p=0.001). The results of this research indicated that the increased frequency and prolonged duration of bottle-feeding practices, as well as high consumption of sweet drinks during weaning, could be associated with the formation of ECC. In conclusion, these findings would increase the awareness particularly among parents regarding bottle-feeding practices and weaning diet contents and its potential implication on their childrenâs oral health.

Highlights

Childhood caries (ECC) can be defined as the presence of decayed, missing, or filled primary tooth (DMFT) in a child aged between birth and 71 months [1]
The Oral Health Division of Malaysia, Ministry of Health, has reported that Early childhood caries (ECC) was prevalent among 76.2% of among preschool children in this country [2]
Childhood caries occurs due to the interaction between bacteria Streptococcus mutans and sugary foods which are present on tooth enamel [3]

Summary

Introduction

Childhood caries (ECC) can be defined as the presence of decayed (non-cavitated or cavitated lesions), missing (due to caries), or filled primary tooth (DMFT) in a child aged between birth and 71 months [1]. Childhood caries occurs due to the interaction between bacteria Streptococcus mutans and sugary foods which are present on tooth enamel [3]. It is characterized by the presence of one decayed tooth or more in primary dentition as soon as an infant’s teeth erupt [4]. The ECC occurs when acidogenic microorganisms in dental plaque metabolize the fermentable carbohydrates on the tooth surfaces causing an acidic environment in the mouth [5]. The acid will demineralize the tooth surface and cause dental caries

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Conclusion