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Association of Healthy Eating, Juice Consumption, and Bacterial Counts with Early Childhood Caries

Wafaa E AbdelAziz1, Karin M L Dowidar1, Maha M A El Tantawi2

  • 1Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Public Health, Faculty of Dentistry, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.

Pediatric Dentistry
|November 5, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Juice consumption was linked to fewer cavities in preschoolers, while sugary snacks increased severe early childhood caries (S-ECC). Diet and bacteria levels showed no significant link to cavities in this study.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Dentistry
  • Oral Health Research
  • Nutritional Epidemiology

Background:

  • Early childhood caries (ECC) is a significant public health concern.
  • Dietary habits and oral microbiota play crucial roles in caries development.
  • Understanding these associations is vital for targeted prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the relationship between diet, snacking patterns, bacterial counts, and early childhood caries (ECC) in Egyptian preschoolers.
  • To identify specific dietary factors and microbial profiles associated with caries development.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 60 preschoolers categorized into caries-free, ECC, and severe ECC (S-ECC) groups.
  • Salivary bacterial counts (Streptococci, S. mutans, S. sanguis) were determined.
  • Dietary intake was assessed using a 24-hour food recall and analyzed with the Healthy Eating Index 2005; snacking habits were collected via questionnaire.

Main Results:

  • Children with ECC and S-ECC had significantly lower odds of drinking juices (OR 0.10, 0.02).
  • Higher Healthy Eating Index scores were observed in caries-free children compared to those with ECC/S-ECC.
  • Elevated counts of total Streptococci and Streptococcus mutans, and lower Streptococcus sanguis counts, were found in children with ECC and S-ECC.

Conclusions:

  • Juice consumption showed a protective association against ECC and S-ECC.
  • Snacking on sweets was associated with an increased risk of S-ECC.
  • Multivariate analysis indicated no significant association between overall healthy eating, brushing habits, and bacterial counts with ECC or S-ECC.
Abstract

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