Habibian, Mina; (2000) Dietary habits, feeding behaviours and dental health in infants: A prospective study from birth to 18 months of age. Doctoral thesis (Ph.D), UCL.

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Abstract

The objectives of the study were to determine dietary patterns, feeding practices and their effects on the accumulation of plaque, gingivitis and counts of selected plaque microflora in infants. Of 2300 children born during the registration period, 1380 participated in the study. Longitudinal data on dietary intakes was estimated by using a 3-day weighed diet diary at 6, 12, and 18 months of age. Dental examinations took place at 12 and 18 months of age. At 12 months plaque was removed from the labial surfaces of upper central incisors for microbiological examination. Information on feeding practices, oral hygiene behaviours and sociodemographic factors was obtained from a self- administered questionnaire at 12 and 18 months of age. At 6 months of age there were 900 diet diaries returned by parents. At 12 months of age 605 diet diaries were returned and 955 children had a dental examination. By 18 months of age 259 diet diaries were returned. A total of 640 children had the second dental examination. A total of 163 children had all 3 diet diaries and 2 dental examinations. Eighteen and 25 % of these children had visible plaque at 12 and 18 months of age, respectively (P = 0.05). The plaque index at 12 months was significantly correlated with the mean total eating / drinking events at 6 months (P = 0.001). The association with total eating / drinking events at 12 months was not significant. The plaque index at 18 months was significantly correlated with the mean total eating / drinking events at both 12 months (P = 0.04) and 18 months of age (P = 0.02). Falling asleep with the bottle / breast nipple in the mouth and waking up at night for a feed were both associated with visible plaque at 12 months (P = 0.04) and 18 months (P = 0.02), respectively. Only 4 % of one year old children harboured mutans streptococci in their plaque. The count of mutans streptococci was correlated with the mean total eating / drinking events (P < 0.001) and the mean frequency consumption of NMES (P = 0.05). Both falling asleep with bottle / nipple in the mouth and not having started teeth cleaning by 12 months of age were associated with detection of mutans streptococci in the plaque at (P = 0.001) and (P = 0.003), respectively. Lactobacilli, yeasts and gingivitis were observed in only a few children. Poor oral hygiene and improper dietary habits were associated with accumulation of plaque and detection of mutans streptococci. Both, are highly related to dental caries.

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