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Association between sleep patterns and early childhood caries in 3-4-year-old children: A cross-sectional study

P R GeethaPriya1, Sharath Asokan1, T D YogeshKumar1

  • 1Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, KSR Institute of Dental Science and Research, Tiruchengode, Tamil Nadu, India.

Journal of the Indian Society of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry
|June 7, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Nighttime feeding and lack of dental visits are key risk factors for early childhood caries (ECC). Understanding these sleep and feeding practices is crucial for preventing ECC in young children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Dentistry
  • Child Health
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Early childhood caries (ECC) is a significant public health concern affecting young children globally.
  • Sleep and feeding practices are recognized as potential contributing factors to ECC development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between children's sleep practices and early childhood caries (ECC) across different developmental stages.
  • To identify specific risk factors related to sleep and feeding during nighttime that contribute to ECC.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 550 mothers of children aged 3-4 years, with and without ECC.
  • A validated questionnaire was used to collect data on sleep, feeding, and oral hygiene practices from infancy (0-2 years).
  • Analysis focused on practices at 0-3 months, 4-11 months, and 1-2 years of age.

Main Results:

  • At 0-3 months, bedtime and intentional nighttime feeding were associated with ECC.
  • Frequent night waking and intentional nighttime feeding significantly increased ECC risk at 4-11 months.
  • Intentional nighttime feeding and prolonged breastfeeding were strongly linked to ECC in 1-2 year olds.

Conclusions:

  • Lack of a previous dental visit and intentional nighttime feeding emerged as consistent risk factors for ECC across all studied age periods.
  • These findings highlight the importance of addressing nighttime feeding habits and promoting early dental care to prevent ECC.
Abstract

Keywords:
Dental cariesfeeding practicesoral hygienesleep practices

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