Early childhood caries and its relationship with different risk factors in preschool children

ABSTRACT

To find the frequency/pattern of Early Childhood caries [ECC] and to find out the relationship of different risk factors with ECC. A cross sectional survey was conducted in both pediatric departments present in the dental hospitals of Peshawar, Pakistan from August 2013 to January 2014. All children with age range of 3- 6 years that visited pediatric department were selected. The diagnosis of ECC was solely based on clinical assessment. A parent or a caregiver was asked to complete a questionnaire regarding information about the child, their oral hygiene, demographics and feeding practices. The data was arranged categorically and analyzed using Statistical Package of Social Sciences [SPSS 16]. Chi Square test was used to calculate statistical significance set at <0.05. A total number of 320 children were selected. The Mean age of our sample was 4.2 +/- 1.14 years Majority of children were males [n=184, 57.5%] while females were [n=136, 42.5%]. The frequency of Early Childhood Caries was 85% [272]. Anterior teeth had more caries [n=139, 43.4%] than posterior and upper jaw teeth had more caries [n=171, 53.4%] than lower jaw. Feeding habits, Age, mother's age, adult supervision, and knowledge of parent were found to be significantly related with Early Childhood Caries [p<.005], while the gender and who applies the tooth paste were found not significant. There is a high occurrence of early child hood caries among children visiting dental hospitals in Peshawar. Anterior upper teeth are more prone to caries