A longitudinal study of early childhood caries risk, dental caries, and life style

The objectives of this longitudinal study were to assess children's caries risk and mean number of decayed teeth and determine their life style factors that influence their caries activity. A total of 283 children were selected based on the following criteria: they had 1.5, 2.5, and 3.5-year-old oral examinations, participated in Cariostat microbial sampling and the mother of a child filled out the questionnaires. Caries experiences of children were 2.1% for the 1.5-year-old, 8.1% for the 2.5-year-old, and 14.8% for 3.5-year-old period, respectively. Caries risk at the 1.5-year-old period showed significant differences (P<0.001) for mean number of decayed teeth when children were at the 2.5-, and 3.5-year-old period. A significant difference (P<0.01) was also seen for caries risk at the 2.5-year-old period. Regarding children's lifestyle factors at the 1.5-year-old period, pre-chewing food and breastfeeding produced significant caries susceptibility in both 2.5- and 3.5-year-old period. Additionally, children's life styles were analyzed to have an impact on caries only at the 2.5-year-old period. For children's life style at the 2.5-year-old period, increased frequency of snack, irregular snack time, and brushing without assistance by the mother put 3.5-year-old children at high risk of developing caries. A caries activity test could predict 2.5-, and 3.5-year-old children's caries risk based on the 1.5-year-old test result. Some children's life styles at an early age showed a higher risk of developing caries at a later age.