Association between iron status, iron deficiency anaemia, and severe early childhood caries: a case–control study

Abstract

BackgroundSevere tooth decay is known to affect the health and well-being of young children. However, little is known about the influence of Severe Early Childhood Caries (S-ECC) on childhood nutritional status. The purpose of this study was to contrast ferritin and haemoglobin levels between preschoolers with S-ECC and caries-free controls.MethodsChildren were recruited as part of a larger case–control study examining differences in nutritional status between those with and without S-ECC. Preschoolers with S-ECC were recruited on the day of their dental surgery, while caries-free controls were recruited from the community. Parents completed a questionnaire and the child underwent venipuncture. The study was approved by the University’s Health Research Ethics Board. Statistics included descriptive, bivariate and logistic regression analyses. A p value ≤ .05 was significant. A total of 266 children were recruited; 144 with S-ECC and 122 caries-free.ResultsThe mean age was 40.8 ± 14.1 months. The mean ferritin concentration for all children was 29.6 ± 17.9 μg/L while the mean haemoglobin level was 115.1 ± 10.1 g/L. Children with S-ECC were significantly more likely to have low ferritin (p=.033) and low haemoglobin levels (p>.001). Logistic regression analyses revealed that children with S-ECC were nearly twice as likely to have low ferritin levels and were over six times more likely to have iron deficiency anaemia than caries-free controls.ConclusionsChildren with S-ECC appear to be at significantly greater odds of having low ferritin status compared with caries-free children and also appear to have significantly lower haemoglobin levels than the caries-free control group. Children with S-ECC also appear to be at significantly greater odds for iron deficiency anaemia than cavity-free children.

Association of Environmental Tobacco Smoke with the Risk of Severe Early Childhood Caries among 3-Year-Old Japanese Children

“…Furthermore, Means and Krantz [1992] stated that chronic inflamma- tion from pulpitis and chronic dental abscess of untreated severe caries affects growth via chronic inflammation. Schroth et al [2013c] reported that children with S-ECC appear to be at significantly greater odds for iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia than cavity-free children. Children living in low socioeconomic situations may also not be able to regularly go to the dentist and use dental floss or fluoride toothpaste to prevent dental caries.…”

Factors Associated With Dental Care Utilization in Early Childhood

“…1,2 Dental caries can result in various detrimental effects on children, including pain, failure to thrive, poor nutritional status, and behavioral problems. [2][3][4][5][6] Early preventive dental care has been demonstrated to prevent dental disease when administered within the first year of life. 7 Evidence also indicates that children who receive early preventive dental care are less likely to require subsequent restorative or emergency treatment 7 and have lower dental-related health care costs, particularly among high-risk populations.…”

No Impact of Lower Intake of Micronutrients on Severe Early Childhood Caries: Findings from a Prospective Cohort Study

“…However, studies that have related malnutrition or micronutrient deficiencies to dental caries in the primary dentition offer indirect evidence of this association [19][20][21][22]. In contrast, some studies suggest a cariogenic effect of micronutrients [6,8].…”