Effect of Probiotics Intake on Teething Problems in Infants/Toddlers
Objectives: Teething problems (TPs) remain an important source of concern and anxiety for parents. Probiotic bacteria are microorganisms thought to have beneficial effects on systemic and oral health. However, their potential role in reducing TPs of infant/toddlers remains unknown. We aimed to characterize potential effects of maternal and infant intake of probiotics on TPs.
Methods: In the GUSTO (Growing Up in Singapore Towards healthy Outcomes) cohort study 1237 pregnant women were recruited from early pregnancy and their offspring followed up. At ages 6, 9 , 12, 15 and 18 months questionnaires were used to ascertain maternal and infant use of probiotics, the incidence rate of teething problems including pain, fever, decreased daily activities, decreased food intake, and “any teething problems”. All logistic regression models related to TPs were built controlling for potential confounders, including age, race, gender, height of infant, weight of infant, mother’s long-term illness, child’s health, mode of delivery, maternal education, and household income level.
Results: Overall TPs rate were 13.2%, 30.8%, 45.9%, 38.4%, 54.4% at 6m, 9m, 12m, 15m and 18m respectively. Mothers who had not taken probiotics during confinement reported significant increases in teething-related fever at infant ages 9m (579/190) and 18m (394/95) with odds ratios (OR) of 1.87 (95%CI 1.07–3.25) and 3.76 (CI 1.06–13.31) respectively and in overall TPs at 18m (396/96) with an OR of 3.15 (CI 1.04–9.54) as compared to those who had taken probiotics. Infants’ not taking probiotics at 9m (254/202) were more likely to have teething pain at 18m (OR 3.18, CI 1.11–9.15).
Conclusions: Maternal and infant intake of probiotics may reduce teething problems in infants/toddlers.
Division: Southeast Asian Division Meeting
Meeting:2012 Southeast Asian Division Meeting (Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong) Location: Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong
Year: 2012 Final Presentation ID: Abstract Category|Abstract Category(s):Scientific Groups
Authors
Mittal, Rakhi
( National University of Singapore, Singapore, N/A, Singapore
)
Meaney, Michael
( Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, A*Star, Singapore, Singapore, N/A, Singapore
)
Godfrey, Keith
( University of Southampton, Southampton, N/A, England
)
Hsu, Chin
( National University of Singapore, Singapore, N/A, Singapore
)
Un Lam, Carolina
( National University of Singapore, Singapore, N/A, Singapore
)
Chong, Mary
( Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, A*Star, Singapore, Singapore, N/A, Singapore
)
Lee, Yung
( National University Hospital System, Singapore, N/A, Singapore
)
Chong, Yap
( National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore, N/A, Singapore
)