Dietary free sugar intake Helpful in reducing dental caries?

A recent study investigating the relationship between free sugar intake in early childhood and dental caries at age four to six years was presented by at the 100th General Session and Exhibition of the IADR, where free sugar consumption was measured in children enrolled in the Barwon Infant Study at age 18-months and 4-years.

The prevalence of dental caries was obtained from dental records. Out of original birth cohort, dietary as well as dental caries data were available. It was found that 70.4% and 36.7% participants consumed less than 5% total energy intake from free sugars at 18-months and 4-years, respectively. Also , dental caries affected 46.7% of children.

The authors concluded that between 18-months and 4-years, free sugar consumption increased markedly with two thirds of children exceeding 5% of total energy intake at 4-years of age. Early free sugar intake increases the risk of dental caries at 4-6-years of age.

Reference: Study examines the influence of dietary free sugar intake on dental caries INTERNATIONAL & AMERICAN ASSOCIATIONS FOR DENTAL RESEARCH MEETING 2022 IADR/APR General Session & Exhibition; https://www.iadr.org/about/news-reports/press-releases/study-examines-influence-dietary-free-sugar-intake-dental-caries.