An epidemiological study of the influence of sweets intake and toothbrushing on dental caries among children in Japan.

The study was designed to determine the influence of confectionery and beverages intake and of toothbrushing on infant dental caries. The participants were 700 three year old Japanese children from an urban area near Tokyo. The prevalence of caries in those who frequently consumed confectionery and beverages was higher than the prevalence in those who did not take them. However, the prevalence in children with a habit of toothbrushing did not differ from that of those without the habit. This study shows that restricting consumption of confectionery and beverages may be effective in preventing dental caries; however, encouragement of toothbrushing may not be effective in limiting dental caries progression.