280 - Caries Development Contributing Factors in Children Breastfed Beyond Age 1

Authors: Farrell A, Hajishengallis E, Penta A, Spatz D
Affiliation: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia PA

Abstract:
Title: Caries Development Contributing Factors in Children Breastfed Beyond Age 1

Purpose: The aim of this study is to determine lifestyle factors associated with the development of early childhood caries (ECC) in ASA 1 children between the ages of 1 and 6 years who were breastfed beyond 1 year of age.

Methods: This study was developed at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine (PDM) and approved by the University of Pennsylvania Institutional Review Board. A 30 question survey was developed and given to consented primary caregivers of healthy patients of the Pediatric Clinic at PDM, age 1-6 years, and breastfed beyond 1 year of age.
The survey includes questions regarding child’s diet, feeding habits, oral hygiene, sleep/airway, family history, and the primary caregiver’s thoughts on breastfeeding. Information is also gathered from the child’s Electronic Health Record including insurance type, date of birth, allergies, and decayed, missing, filled teeth (DMFT) score.

Results: 44 survey responses were recorded. Means, standard deviations, and proportions were calculated to extract data and potential correlations between survey responses and DMFT score. Results suggest that there remains considerable uncertainty regarding which lifestyle factors predominantly influence ECC development in children who are breastfed beyond age 1, but that there may be a correlation between the development of ECC and a caregivers’ ease in discussing the relationship between caries and breastfeeding with the child’s dentist.

Conclusions: There are many lifestyle factors that contribute to the prevalence of ECC in children who are breastfed beyond 1 year. Further data is required to determine the significance of any of the surveyed factors.