Related Experiment Videos
Prolonged demand breast-feeding and nursing caries
K L Weerheijm1, B F Uyttendaele-Speybrouck, H C Euwe
1Department of Cariology, Endodontology, Pedodontology, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam, The Netherlands. K.Weerheijm@acta.nl
Insights
Prolonged breastfeeding is not linked to higher cavities. However, frequent nighttime nursing and low fluoride use increase the risk of nursing caries in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Public Health Nutrition
- Child Development
Background:
- Prolonged breastfeeding on demand is common among mothers attending La Leche League.
- Understanding caries risk factors in this population is crucial for preventive strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize prolonged demand-breastfed children.
- To identify risk factors associated with caries, specifically nursing caries, in this cohort.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 96 Dutch children (mean age 28.8 months) was studied.
- Data collected via questionnaires, dietary sheets, and dental examinations for caries status.
- Children categorized into caries-free, caries, and nursing caries groups.
Main Results:
- 14.5% of children had dentine caries, with 9.3% meeting nursing caries criteria.
- Frequent breastfeeding (day/night) and bed-sharing were associated with the nursing caries group.
- Lower use of fluoridated toothpaste and other fluoride sources were noted in caries groups.
Conclusions:
- Prolonged demand breastfeeding itself does not elevate caries prevalence.
- Frequent breastfeeding, particularly at night, combined with insufficient fluoride exposure, are significant risk factors for nursing caries.
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to study the characteristics and to explore risk factors within a group of Dutch children breast-fed on demand over a prolonged period, whose mothers attended the meetings of La Leche League. Ninety-six children, 55 boys and 41 girls (mean age 28.8 months, SD 8.8), were examined. Most of the parents belong to a higher socio-economic working class. The examination included a questionnaire and dietary sheet, combined with the caries status of the child. On average the children were breast-feed for 21.5 months (SD 9.8). The mean age at which the parents started brushing the children's teeth was 11.7 months (SD 5.1). Fluoridated toothpaste (250 ppm fluoride) was used by 70% of the children. The children were divided into three groups according to their caries pattern: 1 caries-free; 2 caries, and 3 nursing caries. Dentine caries was found in 14 (14.5%) of the children, of which 9 (9.3%) met the criteria of nursing caries. The mean dmfs of all children examined was 1.2 (SD 4.8). Up to 18 months of age the breast was given significantly more frequently during the night and up to 24 months during the day time, to the children of the nursing caries group compared to the children in the other two groups. The children still being breast-fed at the time of investigation more frequently slept in their parents' bed. The children of the nursing-caries group used fluoridated dentifrices less often. The majority of children of the caries and nursing-caries groups did not receive fluoride from other sources. The results of the present study demonstrate that prolonged demand breast-feeding does not lead to a higher caries prevalence although comparison between the groups demonstrates that frequent breast-feeding and low additional fluoride use should be considered as contributing factors in the process of nursing caries.