This is an observational cohort stu

This is an observational cohort study and involves the recruitment of a birth cohort from
disadvantaged communities in South Western Sydney. Mothers will be invited to join the study soon after the
birth of their child at the time of the first home visit by Child and Family Health Nurses. Data on feeding practices
and dental health behaviours will be gathered utilizing a telephone interview at 4, 8 and 12 months, and
thereafter at 6 monthly intervals until the child is aged 5 years. Information collected will include a) initiation and
duration of breastfeeding, b) introduction of solid food, c) intake of cariogenic and non-cariogenic foods, d)
fluoride exposure, and e) oral hygiene practices. Children will have a dental and anthropometric examination at 2
and 5 years of age and the main outcome measures will be oral health quality of life, caries prevalence and caries
incidence.
Discussion: This study will provide evidence of the association of early childhood feeding practices and the oral