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Effect of feeding practices on dental caries among preschool children: a hospital based analytical cross sectional

Priyantha Julian Perera1, Meranthi Preethika Fernando, Tania Dayanthi Warnakulasooriya

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, No 1 'Lakpriya', Wedikanda Road, Ratmalana, Sri Lanka. priyanthaprr@gmail.com.

Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|June 6, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Overnight feeding with milk beyond two years significantly increases early childhood caries (ECC). Discouraging this practice can help reduce the incidence and severity of dental caries in young children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Dentistry
  • Public Health Nutrition
  • Child Development

Background:

  • Early childhood caries (ECC) is a significant public health concern.
  • Feeding practices are implicated in ECC etiology, but their precise role is debated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the etiological role of specific feeding practices on early childhood caries (ECC).

Main Methods:

  • A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Sri Lanka.
  • Two hundred eighty-five children (36-60 months) were recruited.
  • Data on feeding practices and socio-demographics were collected via questionnaires; dental examinations assessed caries.

Main Results:

  • 47.7% of children had dental caries (mean deft score 1.81).
  • Overnight milk feeding beyond two years was significantly associated with increased ECC incidence and severity.
  • Exclusive breastfeeding up to six months or beyond two years showed a non-significant trend towards higher caries prevalence.

Conclusions:

  • Overnight milk feeding beyond two years is a significant risk factor for early childhood caries (ECC).
  • This practice should be discouraged to mitigate dental caries development in young children.

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