To Assess the Prevalence of Dental Caries Among Preschool Children in Bhairahawa Nepal

ABSTRACT

Dental caries is very common disease in the world. It is seen in all the age groups. The prevalence of dental caries worldwide around 35% for all ages. Dental caries is more common in children due to poor oral hygiene, food habits etc. The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence of dental caries among preschool children in Bhairahawa Nepal. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted during june 2019 among preschool children. A structured questionnaire was used according to WHO criteria. Study was conducted in four preschools in Bhairahawa, Nepal. All the children of preschool was selected on the basis of complete enumeration system. The preschool children of age group of 3-6 years were included in the study. Children above 6 years, who were not interested to participate in the survey, edentulous arch and children absent during survey were excluded from the study. Data was analysed using SPSS 20 & descriptive statistics. Results: In our study, total children were 190 in which boys were 103 and 87 were girls. In the age group 3-4 years and 4-5 years boys were more than girls. In the age group 5-6 years girls were more than boys. In age group 3-4 years boys were 22.22% affected by dental caries and girls were 21.73% affected by dental caries. In age group 4-5 years boys were 22.72% affected by dental caries and girls were 22.58% affected by dental caries. In age group 5-6 years boys were 13.04% affected by dental caries and girls were 15.15% affected by dental caries. The dental caries was more prevalent in age group 4-5 years. Conclusion: Our study concluded that the dental caries was more prevalent in age group 4-5 years.