Association Between Calcium and Protein Content of Breast Milk and Severe Early Childhood Caries (S-ECC) in Toddlers

Journal of Dental Research, Dental Clinics, Dental Prospects · Published 2026-03-30 · DOI 10.34172/joddd.44503

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Abstract

Introduction: Severe early childhood caries (S-ECC) is a special type of dental decay common among toddlers and young children. This study explored the association between S-ECC and calcium and protein levels in mothers’ breast milk in toddlers aged 12‒24 months. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study included 33 toddlers aged 12‒24 months, with or without S-ECC. Participants were recruited from mothers who brought their toddlers to healthcare clinics in Kerman City, Iran, for routine check-ups and vaccinations. The inclusion criteria for mothers were ages 18‒45 years during pregnancy and delivery at 37 weeks of gestation or later. Breast milk samples were obtained from the mothers of 17 toddlers with S-ECC and from the mothers of 16 toddlers with healthy teeth. The protein and calcium levels in the samples were measured using the Bradford assay and Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry assay, respectively. Results: The study found a significantly higher mean protein concentration but no significant difference in calcium concentration in breast milk from mothers whose children were caries-free compared with those whose children had caries. Also, the refined regression model predicted a significant inverse association between protein concentration and dental caries (OR=0.171). Additionally, boys exhibited 14.8 times greater odds of caries compared to girls (OR=14.818). Conclusion: It can be suggested that increased protein intake from breastfeeding in toddlers younger than 24 months, along with being female, is linked to a reduced risk of S-ECC.

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Year
2026

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