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Published on: August 22, 2012
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AMASI epidemiological study on children living in L'Aquila.
L De Simone1, E Ortu1, A Barone1
1MeSVA Department, Division of Dentistry, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy.
European Journal of Paediatric Dentistry
|February 28, 2023
Summary
This study found no strong evidence linking extended breastfeeding beyond one year to increased tooth decay risk in children. Further research is needed to fully understand human milk
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Childhood oral health is influenced by various factors including habits, maternal history, and infant feeding practices.
- Understanding these associations is crucial for developing effective preventive strategies against dental caries.
- The specific impact of prolonged breastfeeding on deciduous teeth requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the statistical relationship between children's habits, oral health status, pregnancy history, and breastfeeding duration.
- To assess the prevalence of dental caries in primary school children and identify associated risk factors.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 496 primary school pupils (grades 1-2) in L'Aquila, Italy.
- Data collected via anamnesis by health personnel prior to dental examinations.
- Dental caries assessed using the decayed-missing-filled teeth (dmft) index, with statistical analysis including Shapiro-Wilk, Chi-square, and t-tests (p<0.05 significance).
Main Results:
- The study did not find sufficient evidence to recommend against breastfeeding for over one year due to caries risk.
- Identified the need for supportive practices to mitigate identified risk factors for poor oral health.
- Highlighted the necessity for larger sample sizes to conclusively determine the role of human milk in oral health outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Current evidence does not support a definitive link between breastfeeding duration exceeding one year and increased risk of tooth decay.
- Interventions promoting supportive practices are essential for addressing risk factors impacting children's oral health.
- Further large-scale studies are warranted to elucidate the specific role of human milk in preventing dental caries.
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