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Social and behavioural determinants of early childhood caries

K B Hallett1, P K O'Rourke

  • 1Children's Oral Health Service, Royal Children's Hospital, Herston, Queensland. Kerrod.Hallett@health.qld.gov.au

Australian Dental Journal
|December 3, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Early childhood caries in Brisbane preschoolers are linked to bottle use and lower family income. Breastfeeding for 3-6 months showed a protective association, while bottle-feeding practices increased caries risk.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Pediatric Dentistry
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Early childhood caries (ECC) is a significant public health concern.
  • Understanding the social and behavioral determinants of ECC is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between infant feeding practices, preventive dental behaviors, and ECC in North Brisbane preschoolers.
  • To develop a statistical model for ECC based on social and behavioral factors.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study of 2515 four- to five-year-old children in North Brisbane.
  • Data collection included dental examinations for caries prevalence and severity (dmft) and a self-administered questionnaire on social and behavioral variables.
  • Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to model the data.

Main Results:

  • Breastfeeding for 3-6 months was associated with a reduced risk of ECC (OR=0.7).
  • Sleeping with a bottle (OR=1.9) and sipping from a bottle (OR=1.6) were significantly associated with increased ECC risk.
  • Non-Caucasian ethnicity (OR=1.9) and lower annual family income (less than $20,000: OR=2.1; $20,000-$35,000: OR=1.7) were also linked to higher ECC prevalence.

Conclusions:

  • A statistical model for ECC in North Brisbane preschoolers was established, highlighting key social and behavioral risk factors.
  • Findings can inform public oral health service planning and resource allocation for early childhood caries prevention.
Abstract

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