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Early Introduction of Total Sugar Foods and Early Childhood Caries

Thaynara Nascimento de Oliveira1, Jéssica Madeira Bittencourt1, Letícia Pereira Martins2

  • 1Department of Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais.

Pediatric Dentistry
|August 22, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Introducing total sugar foods (TSF) before six months of age significantly increases the risk of early childhood caries (ECC) and associated dental pulp issues in preschoolers. Early sugar exposure negatively impacts children's oral health.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Dentistry
  • Public Health Nutrition
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Early childhood caries (ECC) is a prevalent disease in preschool children.
  • Dental pulp complications significantly impact children's oral health and quality of life.
  • Dietary habits, particularly early sugar introduction, are suspected risk factors for ECC.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between early introduction of total sugar foods (TSF) and the prevalence of ECC.
  • To evaluate the link between early TSF introduction and dental pulp consequences in preschool children.
  • To determine if introducing TSF before six months of age exacerbates ECC and pulp issues.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 533 preschool children aged 4-6 years in Brazil.
  • Assessed ECC using the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (dmft) index.
  • Measured pulp consequences with the visible pulp, oral mucosa ulceration due to root fragments, fistula, and abscess (pufa) index.
  • Collected dietary and sociodemographic data via parental questionnaires.
  • Employed multiple logistic regression analysis to identify significant associations.

Main Results:

  • Preschoolers introduced to TSF before six months were 1.58 times more likely to develop ECC (95% CI: 1.09–2.30).
  • Early TSF introduction was associated with a 2.30 times higher likelihood of pulp consequences (95% CI: 1.35–3.91), even after adjusting for confounding factors.
  • The association remained significant after controlling for family income, breastfeeding, and brushing behaviors.

Conclusions:

  • Early introduction of TSF before six months of age is a significant risk factor for ECC.
  • The early introduction of TSF is strongly linked to increased prevalence of dental pulp consequences in preschool children.
  • Limiting sugar intake in the first six months of life is crucial for preventing severe oral health problems in early childhood.

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