Snacking on potato chips is often associated with eating other junk food, contributing to a higher incidence of caries in young children, according to a team of international researchers (Caries Research, August 18, 2010).
To investigate the association between snacking and caries in a population at high risk of dental caries, the researchers recruited 1,206 U.S. preschool children in the offices of pediatricians. A questionnaire was used to collect data on sociodemographic characteristics, oral hygiene, breast-feeding, bottle use, and snacking.
Plaque presence, the number of teeth, and caries status (deft) were scored. Of the 1- to 2-, 2- to 3-, and 3- to 4-year-old children, 93.8%, 82.4%, and 77.3%, respectively, were free of caries. Their mean caries scores were 0.16, 0.58, and 0.93, respectively.
"Partial least squares modeling revealed that eating chips clustered with eating many sweet snacks, candies, popcorn, and ice cream," the researchers wrote. "In addition to the traditional risk indicators for caries (presence of plaque, sugar intake, and socioeconomic status), consumption of chips was associated with caries in young children," they concluded.
In addition, children who continued breast-feeding after falling asleep had significantly higher deft values than those who did not, the researchers noted.
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