Breastfeeding period and caries prevalence in primary dentition

Objective: The purpose of this study is to determine the existent relationship between the natural or artificial breastfeeding period and the oral caries prevalence during the primary dentition period, as well as the consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks. A four-and five-year-old children group of different kindergartens in Guadalupe, Nuevo Leon was examined.

Methods: Two hundred and thirty-five children, one hundred twenty-five males and one hundred ten females were examined through clinical examination of the caries index (c.e.o.) and it was compared with the time and kind of breastfeeding, that is natural, artificial or both in each infant. Data were analyzed using the non-parametric Friedman Test.

Results: 87.3% were breastfed and 26.76% were formula-fed. 61.25% of the mothers fed their children with breast milk during the first 6 months of life, and only 20.93% extended breastfeeding over 12 months. On the other hand, 62.88% extended artificial feeding over 12 months. Besides milk, juices are the most used drink in feeding bottles,with a 48.94%. A 3.31 index average c.e.o. was found.

Conclusion: In comparing breastfeeding and formula feeding in age groups, it was found that the ideal breastfeeding period was from 4 to 6 months. When breastfed, natural and/or artificial, is extended over 12 months, prevalence of dental caries is increased in infant dentition.