Can we rely on delaying the uptake of sugar consumption in the prevention of early childhood caries?

Abstract

A commentary on: Feldens C A, de Barros Coelho E M R, Vítolo M R, Rogrigues P H, Kramer P F, Peres K G Effectiveness of a sugar consumption prevention programme in the first year of life on the occurrence of early childhood caries: a multicentric randomized trial in Brazil. Caries Res 2024; https://doi.org/10.1159/000541028 .

Study design: A multi-centre randomised controlled trial was carried out in Brazil. The intervention group received nutritional counselling based on dietary guidelines produced by UNICEF. The control group received standard dietary and maternal counselling provided by the hospital provider. Randomisation of participants was completed through a computer-based system with an investigator blinded to the recruitment process. Patients were followed up monthly using a combination of phone calls and home visits.

Sample: Pregnant women were recruited from four hospitals, across three state capitals, participating in the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative. Mothers were to be at least 18 years of age, testing negative for HIV/HTLV1, and had an uncomplicated pregnancy. Their newborns had to have a gestational age of more than 37 weeks and weigh more than 2.5 kg. A newborn with increased hospital stays due to infection or neonatal conditions which affected breastfeeding were not included. Sample size calculation was undertaken.

Data analysis: Baseline data was collected. At 6- and 12-month intervals, a combination of validated questionnaires, including 24-hour recalls, and interviews were used to assess the diet. Oral health assessments were carried out by a blinded, trained and calibrated paediatric dentist. The primary outcome was a reduction in ECC. Effect measures (relative risk [RR]) were calculated to determine the effect of the intervention on not consuming sugar at 6 months and on the mean number of sugary items consumed at 12 months.

Results: Baseline demographic data were similar, with no significant differences noted, between the intervention and control groups. The probability of not consuming sugar in the first 6-months was 2.4 times less in the intervention group relative to the control group (p = 0.016). ECC was diagnosed in 17.4% of the whole sample; however, no significant difference was noted between groups at any time point (p = 0.281).

Conclusions: Increased intervention to the mother in the first 6-months of life was effective at reducing the amount of sugar intake. However, this did not lead to a statistically significant reduction in ECC.