Breastfeeding may prevent early childhood caries by altering oral microbial count and proportion: Study
Breastfeeding may prevent early childhood caries by altering oral microbial count and proportion suggests a new study published in the Journal of Dentistry
Early childhood caries (ECC) is a highly prevalent disease. Breastfeeding is a beneficial feeding method, but existing studies lack consensus on its association with the occurrence of ECC. This study aimed to analyse the effect of breastfeeding on ECC occurrence and possible microbiological mechanisms.
The participants included in this prospective study were divided into a bottle-feeding group and an exclusive breastfeeding group immediately after birth. At the age of two, saliva and dental plaque were collected to test the oral pH and microbial count.
At the age of three, the primary dentition were examined for caries. Questionnaires were distributed to the infants’ mothers before enrolment and after observation. Potential risk factors affecting ECC occurrence were screened and further clarified. Results: The incidence of ECC in the bottle-feeding group was 63.5%, whereas that in the breastfeeding group was 54.1% (P < 0.05).
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