136 - Exploring Associations Between Physical Activity, Screen Time, and Early Childhood Caries

Abstract:

Purpose: To explore associations between physical activity and measures of early childhood caries as part of a pilot exploring relationships between oral and gut microbiomes, nutrition, and oral health.

Methods: Twenty-four children (36-47 months) and parents/caregivers over 18 years were recruited at Columbia University teaching clinics (14 with ECC). A verbally-administered survey collected bio-behavioral variables (e.g., height/weight, physical activity types/frequency/duration, screentime). Clinical measures included caries (dmft/dfs), plaque (none, moderate, heavy), and oral hygiene (poor, good, unknown). Plaque, saliva, and stool biospecimens were collected to analyze associations.

Results: Among children with caries, mean dfs=8.5 (range 0-26). Frequency of moderate plaque was 54.2% (n=13); none 4.2% (n=1); unknown 33.3% (n=8). Frequency of good oral hygiene 41.7% (n=10); poor 29.2% (n=7); unknown 29.2% (n=7). No children had physical/medical conditions affecting ability to be active. Compared to peers, 40.9% (n=9) of parents responded about the same; 40.9% (n=9) more; and 18.2% (n=4) a lot more active. Average physical activity (≥60 minutes) was 5 days (range: 2-7) within last week. Over past 30 days, average daily hours of tv/videos was 2.59 (range: 0- >5) and using a computer/playing computer games was 1.86 (range: 0- >5). Associations with clinical measures pending.

Conclusions: Preliminary findings highlight parents’ perception physical activity is on par/exceeds peers. Although all reported multiple days of 60+ minutes physical activity, most are engaging in several hours screen time daily. Findings will empower dental providers to address holistic health of patients and engage in multi-morbidity prevention.

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