Background and Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationshipbetween the Early Childhood Caries (ECC)/severe-ECC (S-ECC) and prolongedbreast‑feeding (BF), bottle‑feeding, and oral hygiene habits in 0‑year‑old to5-year-old Turkish children. Patients and Methods: Dental examinations wereperformed on 255 patients to determine the prevalence of the ECC and theS‑ECC as per the definition of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.To predict the progress rate of caries, noncavitated and cavitated lesion scoreswere assessed by using the International caries detection and assessmentsystem II criteria. Information on infant feeding practices, oral hygiene habits,maternal characteristics, and demographic features were gathered by means ofa questionnaire. The results were statistically evaluated. Results: There were noassociations between BF duration, night‑time BF, bottle‑feeding, and the ECC. Andthere were also no associations between BF duration, night‑time BF, bottle‑feeding,and the S-ECC. Cavitated lesions were more common in children breastfed at nightfor 18-23 months compared to 12-17 months (P = 0.031). Sweetened bottle wasan impact factor on caries experience (P = 0.042). A significant correlation wasfound for dmft, S-ECC, and the cavitated lesions regarding sugar consumption (P= .001, P = .002, and P = .001, respectively). Early introduction to tooth-brushingand regular dental visits were significantly effective in reducing the ECC (P < .001and P < .001, respectively). Conclusion: BF and bottle‑feeding practices were notassociated with the ECC/S-ECC. Sweetened bottles and sugary foods are strongrisk factors for the ECC/S-ECC.</p
