Feeding practices of Greek children with and without nursing caries

Purpose: This study was performed to examine the feeding practices and demographic and nursing characteristics of Greek children with and without nursing caries. It was also intended to evaluate what dentists and pediatricians tell parents when they examine children with nursing caries. Methods: 260 children, ages 3-5 (130 with nursing caries, NC group, and 130 without, NNC group) participated in the study. Results: 95% of the NC group used the bottle at night. In the control, although 85% of the group used the bottle, none of the children developed nursing caries. Conclusions: 1) The nursing habit of bottle feeding is not the only factor determining the development of nursing caries. 2) Falling asleep with the bottle seems to be the most determinant factor associated with the development of nursing caries. 3) Breastfeeding of the child for more than 40 days may act preventively and inhibit the development of nursing caries in children.