Purpose: To examine the relationships between (1) the levels of each temperament traits and the levels of milk-feeding frequency, oral hygiene care and dental caries, and (2) the difference in mean numbers of decayed surfaces among temperament types. Materials and Methods: Four hundred and ninety-three (493) 12-month-old infants were assessed for temperaments and characteristics of child-rearing practices. The data were analysed with their dental caries status at 18 months of age. The chi-squared test, Student's t test, ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to assess the association between temperament traits and the following variables; dental caries, oral cleaning habits and feeding frequency. Logistic regression models were used to identify the effect of temperament traits and other factors on dental caries status. Results: The trait of adaptability was found to associate with feeding frequency at night, while those of activity and approach/withdrawal were significantly associated with regularity of oral cleaning habits by the children's caregiver. Three of the nine temperament traits – biological rhythmicity, approach/withdrawal and mood – were significantly associated with dental caries in bivariate analysis. Biological rhythmicity and approach/withdrawal traits were significantly associated with a higher chance of having caries after adjusting for regularity of oral cleaning habits and frequency of night feeding. Conclusion: Biological rhythmicity, approach/withdrawal and mood traits were related to caries in these young children.
Keywords: dental caries, temperament, primary dentition, child
