Original Article
  

Effect of Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy on the Frequency of Dental Caries in 2–6-year-old Children

Abstract

Cow’s milk protein allergy is the most common type of food allergy in the first year of life, in which the child’s dairy consumption should be limited, and it can have a significant impact on dental health. This study aimed to assess the frequency of dental caries in children with cow’s milk protein allergy and t to examine he relationship between this outcome and cow’s milk protein allergy.
In this matched case-control study, 51 children aged 2 to 6 years with cow’s milk protein allergy, and 51 healthy children were studied in 2 groups. A questionnaire regarding general information, socioeconomic status, health conditions, habits, nutritional information, dental history, and oral hygiene was completed for all children by asking their parents. Dental examinations were also performed, and the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (dmft) index was calculated. The Wilcoxon signed-rank and McNemar tests were used for statistical analyses, at a significance level of 0.05.
The mean dmft score was 5.74±5.55 in children with cow’s milk protein allergy and 1.92±2.55 in the control group. A significant relationship existed between cow’s milk protein allergy and increased frequency of dental caries. Also, the number of caries-free children was significantly lower in the group with cow’s milk allergy.
Given the significant impact of dairy consumption in the early years of life on dental health, it seems necessary to implement more serious caries prevention measures, such as fluoride therapy and follow-up sessions, in children with cow’s milk protein allergy.

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Keywords
Child Cow’s milk protein allergy Dental caries Hypersensitivity
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How to Cite
1.
Askari Anaraki E, Mirgaloy Bayat M, Alinejhad D, Paryab M, Kharazifard M. Effect of Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy on the Frequency of Dental Caries in 2–6-year-old Children. Iran J Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2026;:1-7.