The Impact of Infant Feeding and Oral Hygiene Habits on Early Childhood Caries: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background and Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between the Early Childhood Caries (ECC)/severe-ECC (S-ECC)  and prolonged breast‑feeding (BF), bottle‑feeding, and oral hygiene habits in 0‑year‑old to 5-year-old Turkish children.

Patients and  Methods: Dental examinations were performed on 255 patients to determine the prevalence of the ECC and the S‑ECC as per the  definition of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. To predict the progress rate of caries, noncavitated and cavitated lesion scores were assessed by using the International caries detection and assessment system II criteria. Information on infant feeding practices, oral  hygiene habits, maternal characteristics, and demographic features were gathered by means of a questionnaire. The results were  statistically evaluated.

Results: There were no associations between BF duration, night‑time BF, bottle‑feeding, and the ECC. And there  were also no associations between BF duration, night‑time BF, bottle‑feeding, and the S-ECC. Cavitated lesions were more common in  children breastfed at night for 18-23 months compared to 12-17 months (P = 0.031). Sweetened bottle was an impact factor on caries  experience (P = 0.042). A significant correlation was found for dmft, S-ECC, and the cavitated lesions regarding sugar consumption (P =  .001, P = .002, and P = .001, respectively). Early introduction to tooth-brushing and regular dental visits were significantly effective in  reducing the ECC (P < .001 and P < .001, respectively).

Conclusion: BF and bottle‑feeding practices were not associated with the ECC/S- ECC. Sweetened bottles and sugary foods are strong risk factors for the ECC/S-ECC.