Relationship between feeding habits and mutans streptococci colonization in a group of Spanish children aged 15-20 months.

PURPOSES

(1) To determine the prevalence of mutans streptococci (MS) in a group of Spanish children aged 15-20 months, and (2) to analyze the relationship between early colonization and feeding habits.

METHODS

In a group of 56 children, various feeding habits with a possible influence on early MS colonization were registered using a questionnaire; saliva samples were taken with a tongue blade in order to detect MS presence.

RESULTS

As many as 73% of the children used a nursing bottle at this age, often with sugar content (cereal was added in 83% of children, who were still bottle-fed). The percentage of MS colonization was relatively high (46%), although no child presented caries at the time. A statistically significant relationship (P < 0.05) was found between MS colonization and sweetening of the bottle contents. A relation was also found, though not significant, between MS colonization and the absence of breastfeeding or, on the other hand, the excessive prolongation of natural or artificial feeding.