2002-14-3-112-117 - Saudi Dental Journal

ISSN (Print) 1013-9052
EISSN 1658-3558

The Saudi Dental Journal,
P.O. Box 52500,
Riyadh 11563,
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Tel.	966-1-467-7328
Fax.	933-1-467-7308 / 966-1-467-7534
Email	saudidj@ksu.edu.sa

Feeding practices and behavior of Saudi children with early

childhood caries and dental knowledge of mothers

AlJohara A. Al-Hussyeen*, BDS, CAGS. (Pedo) MSc, DScD
Salwa A. Al-Sadhan**, BDS, MSc
Department of Preventive Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, King Saud University, Riyadh, KSA

The objective of this study was to investigate the feeding practices, dental and nutritional behaviors of pre-school children with early childhood caries and to compare these to caries-free children in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The knowledge and dental practices of the mothers of both groups were also assessed. Mothers of pre-school children were interviewed and their children, aged 1 to 5 years, received dental examination. Of the 125 children examined, 67 (54%) were caries-free, and 58 (46%) had early childhood caries. A higher percentage (39.7%) of mothers of early childhood caries children had lower educational levels compared to mothers of caries-free children. The average number of feeding times in a 24-hour period for the early childhood caries children was significantly (p < 0.0001) higher than in caries-free children. Early childhood caries children were fed mostly at night and they fell asleep with the nipple in the mouth compared to caries-free children (p < 0.0001). Mothers of caries-free children had more knowledge regarding the harmful effect of the nursing habit and started brushing their children's teeth earlier than the mothers of early childhood caries children (p < 0.0001). Significant differences appeared to be present between the early childhood caries children and caries-free children with regard to nutritional and dental behaviors.

Saudi Dental Journal 2002;14(3):112-117.