Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Epidemiologic evidence on the association between intake of milk and dairy products and dental caries is limited, particularly in Asia. This cross-sectional study examined the association between the consumption of milk and dairy products and dental caries among Japanese children aged 3 years. METHODS: The study subjects were 6221 children. Parents or guardians completed a questionnaire, including a self-administered food frequency questionnaire for children. Dentists assessed dental caries, and these data were recorded in each child's maternal and child health handbook. Parents or guardians transcribed these data from the handbook to our questionnaire. Children were classified as having dental caries if they had one or more decayed or filled primary teeth. Associations with dental caries were assessed using logistic regression analysis with adjustments in demographics, dietary and lifestyle factors, and parental socioeconomic status. RESULTS: The prevalence of dental caries was 14.6%. Intakes of milk, cheese, and yogurt were associated with 21%, 26%, and 35% decreases, respectively, in the odds of the prevalence of dental caries (p = 0.02, 0.001, and 0.002, respectively), whereas the intake of other dairy products, such as probiotic milk, ice cream, or custard pudding, was associated with a 2.3-fold increase in the odds of the prevalence of dental caries (p < 0.0001). There was no association between intake of total dairy products and dental caries. CONCLUSIONS: Consumption of milk, cheese, or yogurt had a beneficial effect on childhood dental caries, even in Japan where people consume relatively less milk and dairy products.