Effect of Feeding Pattern and Salivary Level of Growth Hormone on the Stage of Primary Tooth Eruption: An Analytical Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: We aimed to evaluate the effect of feeding pattern and salivary level of growth hormone on the stage of primary tooth eruption among infants aged 6 to 18 months. Methods: The sample size of this analytical cross-sectional study was 300 healthy infants from Karbala, Iraq. Feeding pattern answered by the parents, stage of dental eruption assessed according to criteria described by Damodar P. Swami, and level of salivary growth hormone determined using an ELISA assay. Data were analyzed via a linear regression model using R software. Results: The model (adjusted R2: 0.668) showed the feeding pattern (beast, bottle, or mix), gender, and salivary level of growth hormone were not significant predicators for the stage of primary tooth eruption (p > 0.05). Yet, age was a significant predicator (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The infant’s feeding pattern and salivary level of growth hormone did not affect the timing of the eruption of primary teeth.