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The aim of this investigation was to study the effects of prolonged breast-or bottlefeeding on dental caries in Japanese infants. This longitudinal study was conducted by means of a questionnaire and clinical examination of 592 children at 18 months, 2 years and 3 years of age. The children were divided into three groups: 1) children still being breast-fed at 18 months of age (n‫;)24ס‬ 2) children still being bottle-fed at 18 months of age (n‫;)54ס‬ and 3) children weaned off of breast-or bottle-feeding and with no nonnutritive-sucking habits at 18 months of age (n‫.)502ס‬ Results showed that breast-feeding at 18 months of age produced many significant differences to the control children, including a higher prevalence of caries and higher number of dft. However, no significant differences were observed between bottle-fed and control children. In conclusion, our results suggest that prolonged breast-feeding at an early age before primary dentition has fully erupted is a risk factor for dental caries. Therefore, breast-fed children need to be monitored more closely, and aggressive methods of preventive care need to be instituted. It is also important to identify factors related to dental caries among breastfed children as soon as possible, and develop effective preventive programs.

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The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics and risk factors of prolonged breast-feeding in children. A total of 105 children aged 18 months were screened for ongoing breast-feeding at a public health center. Of these, 105 children were selected for a more comprehensive examination, involving investigation of dietary, tooth-brushing habits and oral hygiene. The children were examined again, and initial and manifest caries were recorded at 24 months of age. As a result, 20 (19.0%) of the 105 children had caries at 24 months of age. Logistic regression analysis revealed an association between caries and bedtime breast-feeding (p‫.)300.0ס‬ Oral hygiene at 18 months of age was also correlated with caries (p‫.)510.0ס‬ It was concluded that reducing the frequency of feeding, early establishment of good oral hygiene habits and also regular visits to the dentist are essential in preventing nursing caries in prolonged breast-fed children.