Journal article

Natural history of dental caries in very young Australian children

Mark Gussy, Rosie Ashbolt, Lauren Carpenter, Monica Virgo-Milton, Hanny Calache, Stuart Dashper, Pamela Leong, Andrea de Silva, Alysha de Livera, Julie Simpson, Elizabeth Waters

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PAEDIATRIC DENTISTRY | WILEY | Published : 2016

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Whilst the global burden of caries is increasing, the trajectory of decay in young children and the point at which prevention should occur has not been well established. AIM: To identify the 'natural history' of dental caries in early childhood. DESIGN: A birth cohort study was established with 467 mother/child dyads followed at 1, 6, 12, 18, and 36 months of age. Parent-completed surveys captured demographic, social, and behavioural data, and oral examinations provided clinical and data. RESULTS: Eight per cent of children (95% confidence interval (CI): 5-12%) at 18 months and 23% (95% CI: 18-28%) at 36 months experienced decay. Interesting lesion behaviour was found between 18 ..

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Grants

Funding Acknowledgements

We would like to acknowledge all of the participating families and the research staff involved in the study, as well as support from the following organisations: the National Health and Medical Research Council, Dental Health Services Victoria, Foundation for Children, The Jack Brockhoff Foundation, La Trobe University, and Oral Health Cooperative Research Centre.