The authors studied dietary habits of children affected by early childhood caries using a questionnaire. The common feature in the diet of all ECC-affected children was frequent day and night intake of sugar-sweetened drinks with longlasting exposition. Sucking on the baby-bottle persisted even in 2–3 year old children. Most mothers knew about the role of sugars in tooth decay. Prevention of early childhood caries stressing the dietary habits controle is suggested.

        Key words: pedodontics – early childhood caries – caries prevention – dietary habits