Mixed dentition cavitated caries incidence and dietary intake frequencies

Pediatr Dent. 2011 May-Jun;33(3):233-40.

Abstract

Purpose: This study examined risk factors for children having new cavitated caries between 5 and 9 years old.

Methods: Subjects were Iowa Fluoride Study cohort children (mostly Caucasian and of relatively high socioeconomic status) with both primary and mixed dentition caries exams and at least 2 diet diaries recorded between 5 and 8 years old (N=198). Using surface-specific transitions, combined counts of new cavitated caries (d(2-3)f and/or D(2-3)F) were determined from 4 primary second molars, 8 permanent incisors, and 4 permanent molars. Food and beverage intake frequencies were abstracted. Other factors were assessed using periodic questionnaires. Logistic regression identified predictors of new cavitated caries.

Results: Thirty-seven percent had new cavitated caries. The mean new cavitated caries count for all children was 1.17 surfaces (±2.28 SD). In multivariable logistic regression, the following were significantly associated (P<.10) with having new cavitated caries: noncavitated caries experience at 5 years old (odds ratio [OR]=2.67, P=.03); cavitated caries experience at 5 years old (OR=3.39, P=.004); greater processed starch at snack frequency (OR=3.87, P=.07); being older (OR=1.68, P=.04); and less frequent tooth-brushing (P=.001).

Conclusion: Results suggested that increased tooth-brushing frequency and reduced consumption of processed starches as snacks may reduce caries incidence in younger school-aged children.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Beverages / classification
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cohort Studies
  • DMF Index
  • Dental Caries / etiology*
  • Dental Caries Susceptibility*
  • Dentition, Mixed*
  • Diet Records
  • Dietary Carbohydrates / administration & dosage
  • Dietary Sucrose / administration & dosage
  • Feeding Behavior*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Food / classification
  • Humans
  • Incisor / pathology
  • Iowa
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Molar / pathology
  • Risk Factors
  • Starch / administration & dosage
  • Tooth, Deciduous / pathology
  • Toothbrushing

Substances

  • Dietary Carbohydrates
  • Dietary Sucrose
  • Starch