Prevalence of Early Childhood Caries and its Risk Factors in 6-60 months old Children in Quchan

Abstract

Introduction: Despite advances in the oral health of children in recent decades, early childhood caries (ECC) continues to pose a serious threat to child welfare. The purpose of this study was to determine prevalence and severity of ECC in 6-60 month old children in relation to socioeconomic factors, feeding practices and oral health behaviors in Quchan.

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included almost all children enrolled in Quchan's day care centers; 232 six to sixty months children were examined. Social and behavioral information were obtained from parents through a self-administered questionnaire. ECC and severe ECC (S-ECC) were diagnosed based on NIDCR and WHO recommendations.

Results: The prevalence of ECC and S-ECC were 59% and 25%, respectively. The overall mean of d2mfs (with cavitated carious surface lesions) and d2psmfs (with cavitated and non-cavitated carious surface lesions) were 2.1 ± 4.45 and 3.80 ± 5.34, respectively. The variables significantly associated with ECC or S-ECC were socioeconomic status, frequency of bottle-feeding, snacking frequency, probable age of starting tooth brushing, person responsible for child’s oral health care and eruption age of the first tooth.

Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the prevalence of ECC was high among of preschool children in the city of Quchan. It is recommended to increase knowledge of parents about proper feeding habits and oral health practices, and also preschool children accessibility to dental services.

Key words: Early childhood caries, Epidemiology