Breakfast: Skipping Breakfast Increases Cavities in Kids: A new study using the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey-III survey has found that, in an analysis of more than 4,000 preschoolers, poor eating practices (not eating breakfast and eating fewer than five servings of fruits and vegetables a day) were associated with caries in primary teeth among children not living in poverty and that these children were more likely to experience tooth decay than poor children. Poverty was another risk factor. The authors found no association between breast-feeding and caries in primary teeth. J Amer Dental Assoc 1/15/04

Pop (Regular), Kool-Aid Bad for Teeth: In a 5-year Iowa study of 646 children, the consumption of regular soda pop, regular powdered beverages, and, to a lesser extent, 100% juice was associated with increased caries risk. Milk had a neutral association with caries, but non-milk dairy products were actually associated with more caries. Inadequate intakes (vs. low adequate or high adequate intakes) of nutrients (e.g., riboflavin, copper, vitamin D, vitamin B(12)) were associated with increased caries experience, but high intakes did no better. Dental caries and beverage consumption in young children. Marshall TA, Levy SM, Broffitt B, Warren JJ, Eichenberger-Gilmore JM, Burns TL, Stumbo PJ. Pediatrics. 2003 Sep;112(3 Pt 1):e184-91

Yogurt: Sugar Sweetened Yogurt, Apple Juice, Pop Increase Cavities; OJ, Milk OK: Caries progression was observed in enamel and dentin when apple juice, a cola beverage, and sweetened (strawberry) yogurt were consumed as snacks. Remineralization of enamel was observed when cheddar cheese, skim milk, 2% milk, whole milk, chocolate milk, and orange juice were used as between meal snacks. Dairy products, with the exception of the sweetened yogurt, generally reduced the amount of demineralization produced in dentin. Assessment of the effect of selected snack foods on the remineralization/demineralization of enamel and dentin. Jensen ME, Donly K, Wefel JS. J Contemp Dent Pract. 2000 Aug 15;1(3):1-17. Ed: Lite yogurt is preferred over sugar sweetened yogurt. Sugar increases obesity, heart disease, and cavities.

Yogurt Associated with Fewer Cavities: In a study of 1,494 Roman children ages 3-5, 7.6% had rampant early childhood dental decay (RECDD). Children with RECDD had 56% of all the decayed teeth in the sample. Low and medium social classes, use of a baby bottle filled with sweetened beverages, high salivary mutans streptococcal levels, and malnutrition were directly associated with RECDD; milk and yogurt consumption and low Plaque Index scores were inversely associated with the condition. Rampant early childhood dental decay: an example from Italy. Petti S, Cairella G, Tarsitani G. J Public Health Dent. 2000 Summer;60(3):159-66

Yogurt Protective Against Caries: Protective effect of milk against in vitro caries. Bibby BG, Huang CT, Zero D, Mundorff SA, Little MF. J Dent Res. 1980 Oct;59(10):1565-70

Yogurt: L. Rhamnosus GG Yogurt Protected Against DayCare Caries: In a 7-month DB PC study of 594 children in 19 daycares, yogurt was protective against caries with an age and gender adjusted odds ratio of 0.51. The lactobacillus inhibits mutans streptococcus. Effect of long-term consumption of a probiotic bacterium, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, in milk on dental caries and caries risk in children. Nase L, Hatakka K, et al. Caries Res. 2001 Nov-Dec;35(6):412-20