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Updated: Aug 28, 2025

Measuring Neural Mechanisms Underlying Sleep-Dependent Memory Consolidation During Naps in Early Childhood
Published on: October 2, 2019
Effect of sleep on development of early childhood caries: a systematic review
D Sardana1, B Galland2, B J Wheeler2
1Division of Pediatric Dentistry, University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
Purpose:
To investigate the impact of sleep on the development of early childhood caries (ECC).
Methods:
Seven electronic databases and grey literature were searched with various keyword combinations. Two reviewers independently selected studies, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The studies were included if they evaluated the impact of sleep parameters on the caries experience or severity of ECC in children under 6 years of age.
Results:
Four cross-sectional studies and two longitudinal studies were included. Children who had irregular bedtimes had a 66-71% higher chance of developing ECC. Children who slept after 11 pm might have a 74-85% higher chance of developing ECC. Children who slept less than 8 h during the night had a 30% increased risk of caries than children who slept more than 11 h.
Conclusion:
Irregular or late bedtime and fewer sleeping hours could be an independent risk factor for ECC. The risk of ECC might be related inversely in a dose-response manner to the number of sleep hours.
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