FEEDING PRACTICES AS A DETERMINANT OF EARLY CHILDHOOD CARIES: A CLINICAL AND LABORATORY STUDY

Authors
  • Djalilova Fariza Rasuljanovna

    Organization: Tashkent State Medical University Department: Propaedeutic of Orthopedic Dentistry

    Author

Keywords:
Early childhood caries, feeding practices, breastfeeding, artificial feeding, dental status, prevention.
Abstract

Background. Early childhood caries (ECC) remains one of the most prevalent chronic diseases in children worldwide. Feeding practices during infancy play a crucial role in shaping oral homeostasis and caries susceptibility. Objective. To evaluate the impact of different feeding practices on dental status and caries development in children of early age. Materials and Methods. A total of 173 children aged 6 months to 6 years with ECC were examined. Participants were stratified by age and feeding practice (breastfeeding, mixed feeding, artificial feeding). Dental status was assessed using caries intensity (dmft index), caries prevalence, caries increment, and oral hygiene indices. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software with significance set at p<0.05. Results. Artificial feeding was associated with significantly higher caries intensity and prevalence compared to breastfeeding and mixed feeding. Caries indicators increased with age in all groups; however, the most pronounced progression was observed in artificially fed children. Conclusion. Feeding practices are a significant determinant of ECC development. Artificial feeding increases caries risk and should be considered when developing individualized preventive strategies.

References

1. Djalilova, F. R., & Murtazaev, S. S. (2023). ESTABLISHING THE OPTIMAL TIME FOR SAMPLING SALIVA TO DETERMINE BIO-ELEMENT HOMEOSTASIS OF THE ORAL CAVITY OF EARLY CHILDHOOD. Conferencea, 91-92. 2. INVESTIGATING THE POTENTIAL GENETIC ASSOCIATION OF SALIVARY AND TONGUE MICROBIOTA WITH PERIODONTITIS: A MENDELIAN RANDOMIZATION STUDY. (2026). Eureka Journal of Health Sciences & Medical Innovation, 2(1), 433-442. https://eurekaoa.com/index.php/5/article/view/249 3. Peres MA, Macpherson LMD, Weyant RJ, et al. Oral diseases: a global public health challenge. Lancet. 2020;394(10194):249–260. 4. American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Policy on early childhood caries (ECC): classifications, consequences, and preventive strategies. Pediatr Dent. 2020;42(6):17–18.

5.Tham R, Bowatte G, Dharmage SC, et al. Breastfeeding and the risk of dental caries: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Acta Paediatr. 2020;109(9):1735–1745.

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Published
2026-02-20
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Articles
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How to Cite

FEEDING PRACTICES AS A DETERMINANT OF EARLY CHILDHOOD CARIES: A CLINICAL AND LABORATORY STUDY. (2026). Eureka Journal of Health Sciences & Medical Innovation, 2(2), 295-301. https://eurekaoa.com/index.php/5/article/view/462

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