The Relationship between Eating Behavior and Early Childhood Caries in Children

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Eating process in children is not only to fulfill hunger but also to fulfill the nutritional needs of children’s growth and development. Eating disorders can cause health problems for children, including dental and oral health. Poor oral and dental health in children can affect self-confidence, chewing ability, and nutritional fulfillment. Nowadays, Early Childhood Caries (ECC) is the most common hard tissue disease in primary teeth that affects children. AIM: This study aims to determine the relationship between eating behavior and ECC in children. METHODS: This research is an observational study with a cross-sectional design. Sampling was done by purposive sampling with a total sample of 165 children aged 3–5 years old and their mothers. The Children Eating Behavior Questionnaire (CEBQ) was used to measure the eight eating types of children. ECC is measured by def-t index. Data analysis was done using Chi-square test. RESULTS: The prevalence of ECC was 47.9%. There was a significant relationship between food responsiveness (p = 0.001; OR = 3.235; 95% CI 1.648–6.341), food fussiness (p = 0.010; OR = 2.380; 95% CI 1.273–4.450), and enjoyment of food (p = 0.005; OR = 0.377; 95% CI 0.198–0.72) with the incidence of ECC. However, Emotional over Eating, Desire to Drink, Satiety Responsiveness, Emotional under Eating, and Slowness in Eating were not associated with the incidence of ECC. CONCLUSION: Children’s eating behavior contributes to the incidence of ECC.