The Relationship between Eating Behavior and Early Childhood Caries in Children

BACKGROUND: Eating process in children is not only to fulfill hunger but also the nutritional needs of children’s growth and development. disorders can cause health problems for children, including dental oral health. Poor affect self-confidence, chewing ability, fulfillment. Nowadays, Early Childhood Caries (ECC) most common hard tissue disease primary teeth that affects children. AIM: This study aims determine relationship between eating behavior ECC METHODS: research an observational with a cross-sectional design. Sampling was done by purposive sampling total sample 165 aged 3–5 years old their mothers. The Children Behavior Questionnaire (CEBQ) used measure eight types measured def-t index. Data analysis using Chi-square test. RESULTS: prevalence 47.9%. There significant food responsiveness (p = 0.001; OR 3.235; 95% CI 1.648–6.341), fussiness 0.010; 2.380; 1.273–4.450), enjoyment 0.005; 0.377; 0.198–0.72) incidence ECC. However, Emotional over Eating, Desire Drink, Satiety Responsiveness, under Slowness were associated CONCLUSION: Children’s contributes