UCSF

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between sugar sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption and caries in children 0-5 years old. An 11-item questionnaire was developed from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, and administered to the parent or caregiver at the time of the child’s dental appointment. Questions included items on the frequency and quantity of SSB and non-SSB beverage consumption over the past week. Two additional questions were added to evaluate the mode of drinking, and supervision of the child. A total of 33 subjects were included in the study. A higher caries rate was observed among two-year-olds compared to the older children, a group that drank more sugary beverages than other cohorts. Children that drank from sippy cups and bottles had higher rates of caries than those that drank from regular cups. In addition, children under the care of a non- parent family member had the highest caries prevalence, while those in daycare had the lowest caries prevalence. Overall, a higher proportion, volume, and frequency in SSB consumption resulted in higher caries presence and dmft score. Children under the care of a family member and used sippy cups also correlated with a higher dmft score.