BMI, eating habits and sleep in relation to salivary counts of mutans streptococci in children – the IDEFICS Sweden study

Abstract

Objective: The objective of the present study was to investigate the association between salivary counts of mutans streptococci (MS) and children's weight status, while considering associated covariates. MS ferments carbohydrates from the diet and contributes to caries by lowering the pH in dental plaque. In adults, high counts of MS in saliva have been associated with overweight, but this has not been shown in children. Design: Cross-sectional study investigating salivary counts of MS, BMI Z-score, waist circumference, meal frequency, sugar propensity and sleep duration, in children. Setting: West Sweden. Subjects: Children (n 271) aged 4-11 years. Results: Medium-high counts of MS were positively associated with higher BMI Z-score (OR = 1·6; 95 % CI 1·1, 2·3). Positive associations were also found between medium-high counts of MS and more frequent meals per day (OR = 1·5; 95 % CI 1·1, 2·2), greater percentage of sugar-rich foods consumed (OR = 1·1; 95 % CI 1·0, 1·3) and female sex (OR = 2·4; 95 % CI 1·1, 5·4). A negative association was found between medium-high counts of MS and longer sleep duration (OR = 0·5; 95 % CI 0·3, 1·0). Conclusions: BMI Z-score was associated with counts of MS. Promoting adequate sleep duration and limiting the intake frequency of sugar-rich foods and beverages could provide multiple benefits in public health interventions aimed at reducing dental caries and childhood overweight.

Fat, sugar and water intakes among families from the IDEFICS intervention and control groups: first observations from I.Family

“…A preference for fat in taste tests was associated with a higher propensity to consume foods rich in fat, but this was not seen for sweet foods . Yet‐unpublished results showed that a higher propensity to consume sugar was associated with higher odds of having higher counts of cariogenic microorganisms in Swedish children . Furthermore, high propensity to consume fat and sugar was associated with eating while watching TV, as well as with watching TV more than 60 min per day .…”

Association between Insufficient Sleep and Dental Caries among Preschoolers in Japan: A Cross-Sectional Multicentre Study

“…Moreover, the deterioration of oral conditions due to a lack of sleep causes dental caries. A previous study has shown that sleep deprivation induces a decrease in salivary flow and an increase in the prevalence of S. mutans , a caries-causing bacteria [ 22 ]. Moreover, a shorter sleep duration increases the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines [ 23 ] and decreases saliva production [ 22 ], resulting in an increased risk of dental caries in children.…”

Late bedtime and dental caries incidence in Kuwaiti children: A longitudinal multilevel analysis

“…A study conducted among adolescents revealed that children who stay awake later had a higher risk of developing dental caries and that they brush their teeth less frequently . Sleep curtailment has also been associated with increased counts of salivary Streptococcus mutans . These factors can be contributors to caries risk.…”