contemporary orofacial science

en The association between the consumption of night milk and the prevalence of early childhood caries among children aged 1 to 3 years in Isfahan دندانپزشکی کودکان Pediatric Dentistry پژوهشي Research <div style="text-align: justify;">Background:  Several factors contribute to early childhood caries (ECC), including poor dental hygiene, frequent consumption of sugary foods and beverages, and prolonged exposure of teeth to these substances. Additionally, breastfeeding during the night may play a role in the development of ECC. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between nocturnal breastfeeding patterns and early childhood caries in children aged 1 to 3 years in Isfahan City. Materials and methods:  This descriptive analytical study was conducted on 260 children aged 1 to 3 years. A pre-designed questionnaire was used to gather data on several factors, including: frequency of nocturnal breastfeeding, type of milk consumed and methods of milk consumption, duration of nocturnal breastfeeding, age at which bottled milk was first introduced, age at which nightly breastfeeding was stopped, Oral and dental hygiene habits following nocturnal breastfeeding and parental education levels. Data were analyzed using Pearson's Chi-square statistical test (α = 0.05) Results: The frequency of breastfeeding, tooth brushing, and the use of fluoride-containing toothpaste did not show significant differences in relation to the prevalence of ECC. However, long-term breastfeeding, frequent consumption of sugary substances throughout the day, lack of oral hygiene, absence of post-breastfeeding water, and low levels of parental education were associated with a significant increase in ECC prevalence. Conclusion: ECC is highly prevalent among children aged 1 to 3 years in Isfahan city. Implementing preventive measures and increasing parental awareness about the relationship between ECC and nocturnal breastfeeding, as well as promoting dental cleaning during breastfeeding and regular dental examinations from the start of teething, are essential for prevention.</div>   Dental Caries, Breast Feeding, Pediatric Dentistry 42 49 http://cofs.khuisf.ac.ir/browse.php?a_code=A-10-1-44&slc_lang=en&sid=1 Shaghayegh Rabiei 1003194753284600864 1003194753284600864 No Faculty of dentistry, Isfahan (khorasgan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran Roya Foroughi 1003194753284600865 1003194753284600865 Yes Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran Yasmina Aalizadeh 1003194753284600866 1003194753284600866 No Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran