Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 24, 2026

Systematic Approach to Identify Novel Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Molecules from Plants' Extracts and Fractions to Prevent Dental Caries
08:20

Systematic Approach to Identify Novel Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Molecules from Plants' Extracts and Fractions to Prevent Dental Caries

Published on: March 31, 2021

The association between antibiotics usage in early childhood and early childhood caries

Sumer M Alaki1, Brian A Burt, Susan L Garetz

  • 1Faculty of Dentistry, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. sumeralaki@msn.com

Pediatric Dentistry
|March 27, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Early antibiotic use in infants increases the risk of early childhood caries (ECC). However, antibiotic use after the first year of life showed mixed results, with race influencing the overall risk for ECC.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Dentistry
  • Microbiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Early childhood caries (ECC) is a significant public health concern.
  • The role of early-life antibiotic exposure in ECC development is not fully understood.
  • Primary teeth development occurs within the first year of life, a critical window for oral health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between systemic antibiotic intake during the first year of life and the risk of ECC.
  • To examine the association between antibiotic intake after the first year of life and the risk of ECC.
  • To determine if racial background influences the relationship between antibiotic use and ECC.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective cohort study design.
  • Analysis of systemic antibiotic prescriptions in children during the first and second years of life.
  • Longitudinal follow-up to assess ECC incidence.
  • Statistical analysis controlling for confounding factors, including race.

Main Results:

  • Systemic antibiotic use in the first year of age was significantly associated with a higher risk of ECC.
  • Antibiotic use between 13-18 months of age also showed a significant increase in ECC risk.
  • A child's racial background was identified as a significant factor modifying the association between antibiotic intake and ECC risk.

Conclusions:

  • Early exposure to systemic antibiotics (first year of life) poses a greater risk for developing early childhood caries.
  • The timing of antibiotic administration and racial background are critical factors in the antibiotic-ECC relationship.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying these associations and inform preventive strategies.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Impact of Common Fruit Juices and Toothbrushing on the Discoloration of Primary Teeth04:40

Impact of Common Fruit Juices and Toothbrushing on the Discoloration of Primary Teeth

Published on: March 27, 2026

Related Concept Videos

Development of the Oral Microbiota01:28

Development of the Oral Microbiota

The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...
Microbiota Modulation by Antibiotics01:21

Microbiota Modulation by Antibiotics

Antibiotics have revolutionized modern medicine by saving countless lives from bacterial infections. However, their widespread use has inadvertently harmed the delicate balance of the human gut microbiota. The gut microbiota, a complex community of bacteria, archaea, viruses, and fungi, plays a vital role in regulating metabolism, immune responses, and maintaining intestinal health. Antibiotics, especially broad-spectrum types, disrupt this ecosystem by eradicating both harmful and beneficial...
Development of Human Microbiota01:30

Development of Human Microbiota

The human microbiota begins developing at birth and undergoes continual change as we age. Infancy marks a critical period of microbial sensitivity, offering a “window of opportunity” during which beneficial microbes help mature the immune system. By age three, children typically develop a more stable and diverse microbial community. Newborns acquire microbes from their immediate environment; vaginal delivery favors maternal vaginal microbes, while cesarean births favor microbes from the skin...
The Oral Microbiota01:27

The Oral Microbiota

The oral microbiome includes a complex ecosystem comprising over 700 microbial species, identified through genomic sequencing and culture-based analyses to date. This community includes a core microbiome, found universally among individuals, and a variable component influenced by environmental factors such as diet, lifestyle, and host genetics. Site-specific conditions, including oxygen gradients, pH levels, and nutrient availability, determine the spatial distribution of these microorganisms...
Tooth Anatomy01:21

Tooth Anatomy

The human tooth enables us to eat a variety of foods, speak clearly, and even aid in shaping our faces. Teeth are composed of various elements that work together. Here's a detailed look at the anatomy of a human tooth.
The Crown, Neck, and Root
The visible part of the tooth is referred to as the crown. It's covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. The crown is uniquely shaped for each type of tooth, allowing for different functions such as cutting, tearing, or grinding food.
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism01:24

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism

In pediatric care, understanding the nuances of hepatic drug metabolism is crucial, as it significantly differs from that of adults. This divergence is primarily due to the developmental stage of drug-metabolizing enzymes, which affects how medications are processed in the body. In neonates, for instance, the activity of Phase I enzymes—critical for the initial breakdown of drugs—is markedly reduced, functioning at just 20–40% of the levels seen in adults. This reduction poses a challenge in...