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Prolonged breastfeeding and dental caries in preschool children
Helene B Sæthre1, Nina J Wang1, Tove I Wigen1
1Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Behavioral Science, Institute of Clinical Dentistry, University of Oslo, Norway.
Insights
Extended breastfeeding up to 18 months did not impact caries risk in preschool children. Poor oral hygiene and sugary drink consumption were linked to higher caries prevalence.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Breastfeeding duration is a key factor in infant nutrition and development.
- Understanding the relationship between breastfeeding and early childhood caries (ECC) is crucial for preventive strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate breastfeeding patterns from 6 to 18 months of age.
- To determine the association between breastfeeding duration and caries prevalence at age 5.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 1088 children from Norway participated in the study.
- Data collected via clinical dental examinations and parental questionnaires on breastfeeding and oral health behaviors.
- Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to assess associations.
Main Results:
- 77% of children were breastfed at 6 months, and 16% at 18 months.
- No significant association was found between breastfeeding up to 18 months and caries prevalence at age 5.
- Factors such as infrequent toothbrushing, regular sugary drink intake, and non-Western parental background were associated with increased caries risk.
Conclusions:
- Breastfeeding up to 18 months of age showed no protective effect against caries development in preschool children.
- Oral hygiene practices and dietary habits are significant determinants of early childhood caries.
Purpose:
To explore breastfeeding from 6 to 18 months of age and to study the association between breastfeeding and caries prevalence at 5 years of age.
Methods:
The study included 1088 children from one Norwegian county and was based on the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study (MoBa). The children had clinical dental examination at 5 years of age, and parents answered a questionnaire, which included information on breastfeeding, oral health behaviour and child characteristic. Multivariate logistic regressions were performed. The study was ethically approved.
Results:
Of the studied children, 77% were breastfed at 6 months of age and 16% were still breastfed at 18 months of age. Few children (6%) were breastfed during night at 18 months of age, while 11% received sugary drink during night. No association was found between breastfeeding up to 18 months of age and caries prevalence at 5 years of age (p > .05). Children who at 18 months of age had their teeth brushed less than twice daily (OR 2.4, CI 1.5-3.9), consumed sugary drink once a week or more often (OR 1.7, CI 1.1-2.7) and had non-Western parents (OR 3.4, CI 1.5-8.1) were more likely to have caries experience at 5 years of age than other children.
Conclusion:
Breastfeeding up to 18 months of age was not associated with caries development during preschool age.
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