Research Projects Using Growing Up Data

What factors are associated with early childhood dental caries? A longitudinal study of the Growing Up in New Zealand cohort

Publication Date:
2020
Lead Organisation:
Growing Up in New Zealand
Lead Researcher:
Thornley, S., Bach, K., Bird, A., Farrar, R., Bronte, S., Turton, B., Atatoa Carr, P.E., Fa’alili-Fidow, J., Morton, S.M.B., Grant, C.C.
Access Type:
Internal
Primary Classification:
Health and Wellbeing
Secondary Classification:

This research explored the relationship between oral health behaviours, diet, and the incidence of dental caries in a study of children participating in the ‘Growing Up in New Zealand’ cohort. Exposures were oral health behaviours, a food frequency questionnaire, and sociodemographic characteristics that were recorded when the child was nine months and two years old. Outcomes were records of dental caries at ages four to seven years.

High levels of dental caries were reported in children of Pacific, Asian, and Māori ethnicity. Food frequency questionnaire information was summarised into two principal components. The major axis of variation was in the intake of food and drinks with high concentrations of sugar and refined starch, with this component strongly associated with caries

The research concludes a diet high in sugar or refined starch was strongly linked to caries. Policies to reduce sugar and refined starch intake should be considered.