Dental Perspectives of the Cariogenicity of Infant Food Sources Survey Research
Contributors:
Jill Bleything
Lisa M. Bosch
Jill Bleything
Lisa M. Bosch
Participating Organizations:
A.T. Still University
A.T. Still University
Objective
Investigate dentists' opinions of cariogenicity of breast milk, bovine milk, and infant formula, providing insight to variables that influence opinions and need for educators to address this topic relating to the epidemic of early childhood caries (ECC).
Investigate dentists' opinions of cariogenicity of breast milk, bovine milk, and infant formula, providing insight to variables that influence opinions and need for educators to address this topic relating to the epidemic of early childhood caries (ECC).
Background
In 2012 the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) reaffirmed its breastfeeding guidelines reinforcing the health benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and child.1 The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) also released policy statements concerning breastfeeding regarding its association with Early Childhood Caries (ECC). The AAP states breastfeeding is recommended for general health and decreases risk for diseases but adds, “Ad libitum breastfeeding after introduction of other dietary carbohydrates and inadequate oral hygiene are risk factors for ECC.”2 This statement is ambiguous for recommendations to parents and providers and unparallel with the AAP breastfeeding guidelines. An overview of breastfeeding and oral health research in JADA states “scientifically rigorous research is needed to elucidate whether associations exist between breastfeeding and ECC, and such evidence is lacking.”3 Continued research is also necessary to establish solid, clear public health guidelines concerning diet and feeding habits for infants.
In 2012 the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) reaffirmed its breastfeeding guidelines reinforcing the health benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and child.1 The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) also released policy statements concerning breastfeeding regarding its association with Early Childhood Caries (ECC). The AAP states breastfeeding is recommended for general health and decreases risk for diseases but adds, “Ad libitum breastfeeding after introduction of other dietary carbohydrates and inadequate oral hygiene are risk factors for ECC.”2 This statement is ambiguous for recommendations to parents and providers and unparallel with the AAP breastfeeding guidelines. An overview of breastfeeding and oral health research in JADA states “scientifically rigorous research is needed to elucidate whether associations exist between breastfeeding and ECC, and such evidence is lacking.”3 Continued research is also necessary to establish solid, clear public health guidelines concerning diet and feeding habits for infants.
Methods
SurveyMonkey was used to survey dentists attending the Greater St. Louis Dental Society’s Mid-Continent Dental Meeting in October 2015 and the Chicago Dental Society’s Mid-Winter Dental Meeting in February of 2016, resulting in 370 respondents. Dentists were approached randomly and asked to participate in the survey.The survey consisted of 20 questions, ten of which concerned demographics, while the remaining ten were questions regarding confidence in cariogenicity and risk of decay for each food source.
SurveyMonkey was used to survey dentists attending the Greater St. Louis Dental Society’s Mid-Continent Dental Meeting in October 2015 and the Chicago Dental Society’s Mid-Winter Dental Meeting in February of 2016, resulting in 370 respondents. Dentists were approached randomly and asked to participate in the survey.The survey consisted of 20 questions, ten of which concerned demographics, while the remaining ten were questions regarding confidence in cariogenicity and risk of decay for each food source.
Methods
Overall, breast milk was the food source least frequently identified as cariogenic. Within each food source, there was significant disagreement about its cariogenicity, especially infant formula. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry are unparallel concerning recommendations. Guidelines concerning infant foods contributing to ECC is needed for implementation in dental education and by dental professionals.
Overall, breast milk was the food source least frequently identified as cariogenic. Within each food source, there was significant disagreement about its cariogenicity, especially infant formula. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry are unparallel concerning recommendations. Guidelines concerning infant foods contributing to ECC is needed for implementation in dental education and by dental professionals.
