The role of nutrition in early childhood and some variables and their impact on children's dental caries

Abstract

Dental caries is a disease that is common among children of this generation. It can cause significant problems, especially if children are affected by it early in their lives. Many causes and factors contribute to dental caries. To achieve the goal of this research, which was to identify the most important nutritional factors and variables related to the subject of the research, a practical application was conducted for four months on a sample of 120 children aged 3-5 years of all genders whose teeth were affected by caries. The children were from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including the eastern province. The sample was divided into two groups of 60 boys and 60 girls, which were divided into three categories of 3 years, 4  years, and 5 years, each with 20 children of all genders. Personal interviews were conducted with the parents or caregivers of the children, during which a questionnaire was distributed that included information specific to the research. After the practical application was completed, the questionnaires were collected, and the results were analyzed statistically. The following results were reached: 40% of the children in the sample were breastfed with artificial milk. 60% of the children left the bottle in their mouths, especially at night. The etiological factors contributing to dental caries can be categorized into two axes: external and internal determinants. External factors encompass aspects related to dietary habits, revealing that the daily food intake exhibited diminutive proportions, falling below the recommended daily global dietary allowances. These meals failed to fulfill the requisite nutritional standards in terms of both quantity and type, except for vitamin C. Notably, a substantial escalation in the consumption of sugars and sweets was observed, accounting for up to 60% of the daily caloric intake. A significant correlation (40%) was identified between the extent of a child's caries and the habit of retaining a bottle in the mouth. Internal factors were elucidated through the assessment of saliva pH levels. Children nourished with artificial milk exhibited saliva pH levels ranging from 6.0 to 6.5, while those breastfed with natural milk demonstrated pH levels between 7.0 and 7.5. The acidity of consumed sweets gauged on the pH scale, ranged from 2.5 to 3.0. Key determinants contributing to dental caries in children, as delineated by the research findings, include the consumption of sugary foods and beverages, particularly during nocturnal hours, the absence of breastfeeding, and the habit of retaining a bottle in the mouth, particularly during the night. The hereditary influence was marginal, with a correlation coefficient of 0.2, further underscored by the absence of caries-affected siblings within the research sample. Considering these outcomes, it is imperative to explore viable alternatives for preventing caries risks. Emphasis on health and nutritional education is paramount, highlighting the significance of breastfeeding. Rigorous efforts to curb the acquisition of sugary foods and beverages are warranted, with a concurrent emphasis on reverting to natural sources in children's diets to ensure their holistic physical and mental
well-being.