Problematic Eating Behaviour and its Impact on Early Childhood Caries in South Indian Population - A Case Control Study

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: With increase in the reports of problematic eating behaviour in children, its association with the incidence of Early Childhood Caries is still unexplored. Hence, the aim of the present study was to explore the impact of problematic eating behaviour in children on the development of Early Childhood Caries.

METHODOLOGY: A case-control analysis was performed on 50 children who were assigned to one of two groups: Group A, who had ECC, and Group B, who did not have ECC. The dmft index was used to monitor dental caries. CEBQ was distributed to the parents of children in both classes. The obtained data was tabulated and subjected to Statistical analysis.

RESULTS: A highly statistically significant difference (P= 0.000) was noted between the ECC and Non- ECC group with respect to problematic eating behaviour. Food Responsiveness (FR), Satiety Responsiveness (SR), Emotional Under-eating (EUE), Food Fussiness (FF), Emotional Overeating (EOE), Enjoyment of food (EF), Desire to Drink (DD), Slowness in Eating (SE) is found to have association with ECC. (P= 0.000)

CONCLUSION: Problematic eating habits in children has an influence on the development of ECC.