Authors: Weber-Gasparoni, Karin; Kanellis, Michael J.; Levy, Steven M.; Stock, Julie

Source: Journal of Dentistry for Children, Volume 74, Number 1, January-April 2007 , pp. 52-61(10)

Publisher: American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry

Abstract:

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to conduct a secondary data analysis of results from a 1985 survey of La Leche League International (LLLI) members to further investigate the relationship between breast-feeding and caries prior to age 3 (CPA3).

Methods: Subjects were 576 LLLI mothers who responded to a 23-item questionnaire concerning the following factors for their oldest child: (1) breast-feeding habits; (2) fluoride status; (3) use of antibiotics; (4) carbohydrate ingestion; (5) history of caries; and (6) oral hygiene practices.

Results: CPA3 was reported in 10% of all children breast-fed for more than 3 years. Later weaning was found to be significantly associated with CPA3 (odds ratio [OR]=2.03; P=.0001). Late initiation of oral hygiene was marginally associated with CPA3 (OR=0.77; P=.08). Among children who developed CPA3, bivariate analyses found a greater frequency of breast-feeding (P=.012) and presence of night-time breast-feeding (P=.049) to be associated with caries detected at an earlier age. Children with caries on their maxillary incisors were more likely to have been breast-fed at night (P=.027) and more frequently during the night (P=.032).

Conclusion: This retrospective study, based on a report of La Leche League International members, found later weaning to be significantly associated with an increased likelihood of developing CPA3.

Keywords: DENTAL CARIES; BREAST-FEEDING; LA LECHE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: Department of Pediatric Dentistry, University of Iowa, IA City, Iowa, USA. karin-weber@uiowa.edu

Publication date: 2007-01-01

More about this publication?

• Acquired after the merger between the American Society of Dentistry for Children and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry in 2002, the Journal of Dentistry for Children (JDC) is an internationally renowned journal whose publishing dates back to 1934. Published three times a year, JDC promotes the practice, education and research specifically related to the specialty of pediatric dentistry. It covers a wide range of topics related to the clinical care of children, from clinical techniques of daily importance to the practitioner, to studies on child behavior and growth and development. JDC also provides information on the physical, psychological and emotional conditions of children as they relate to and affect their dental health.
• Editorial Board
• Information for Authors
• Submit a Paper
• Subscribe to this Title
• Membership Information
• Information for Advertisers
• ingentaconnect is not responsible for the content or availability of external websites

Related content

• In this: publication
• By this: publisher
• In this Subject: Dentistry ,  Pediatrics
• By this author: Weber-Gasparoni, Karin ;  Kanellis, Michael J. ;  Levy, Steven M. ;  Stock, Julie

Website © Publishing Technology. Article copyright remains with the publisher, society or author(s) as specified within the article.

• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Information for advertisers