A cross-sectional study investigating the association between parental daily brushing, extended breastfeeding, or parental smoking habit and early childhood dental caries in 4-year-old children: the Japan Environment and Children's Study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Dental caries is estimated to affect almost half of preschool children worldwide and is associated with low academic performance in school age and poor health in adulthood. Thus, the prevention of dental caries is an important issue that must be addressed. The objective of this study was to clarify the factors associated with early childhood dental caries (ECC) in 4-year-old children.

Methods

This study was part of an ongoing nationwide cohort study; the Japan Environment and Children's Study. Approximately 100,000 expectant mothers were recruited from 15 Regional Centers between January 2011 and March 2014. Questionnaires were regularly administered to participating mothers. Data on the presence of ECC at 4 years of age, frequency of parental brushing, continuati

SUBMITTER: Miura Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12333281 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature