Beverage Intakes and Toothbrushing During Childhood Are Associated With Caries at Age 17 Years.

Background: Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) have been associated with childhood caries; however, associations among lifelong beverage intakes and adolescent caries have received less attention.

Objective: To investigate associations between beverage intakes during childhood and adolescence and caries experience at 17 years of age, while adjusting for fluoride intakes and toothbrushing.

Design: Descriptive model analyses were conducted on data collected from a longitudinal birth cohort study.

Participants/setting: Participants included Iowa Fluoride Study members (n = 318) recruited at birth between 1992 and 1995 with at least 6 beverage questionnaires completed from ages 1 to 17 years and a caries examination at age 17.

Exposure: Predictors included mean daily milk, juice (100% juice and juice drinks before age 9), SSB (including juice drinks after age 9), and water/sugar-free beverage (SFB) intakes; daily fluoride intakes; and daily toothbrushing frequencies for ages 1 to 17.

Main Outcome Measures: The outcome was dental caries count at age 17, adjusted for the number of scored tooth surfaces (decayed and filled surfaces attack rate [DFSAR]).

Statistical Analyses Performed: Univariable generalized linear models were fit for each predictor and the outcome DFSAR. Multivariable models assessed combined effects of beverage types, fluoride variables, toothbrushing, sex, and baseline socioeconomic status.

Results: Based on multivariable models, each 8 oz of additional daily juice and water/SFB decreased expected DFSAR by 53% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 17%-73%) and 29% (95% CI: 7%-46%), respectively, and 8 additional oz SSBs increased expected DFSAR by 42% (95% CI: 5%-92%), after adjustment for other beverage intakes, toothbrushing, total fluoride intake excluding SSB fluoride (non-SSB total fluoride), sex, and baseline socioeconomic status. Each additional daily toothbrushing event decreased expected DFSAR by 43% (95% CI: 14%-62%) after adjustment for beverage intakes, non-SSB total fluoride intake, sex, and baseline SES.

Conclusions: Higher juice and water/SFB intakes and more toothbrushing were associated with lower caries at age 17, while higher SSB intakes were associated with higher caries.