Evaluation of Early Childhood Caries and Its Association with Risk Factors among School Children: A Cross-sectional Study.

Abstract

Aim: The study aimed to assess early childhood caries and its correlation with risk variables among school children.

Materials and methods: 242 children under the age of 5 years were clinically assessed and to ascertain early childhood caries, a validated structured questionnaire was utilized. Demographic data (four questions) and oral health-related activities questions (two questions) were included. To verify visible signs of caries on the occlusal, buccal, and lingual surfaces, the community periodontal index (CPI) probe was used. Caries was diagnosed using the WHO criteria for carious lesions Children's saliva samples (3 mL) were taken, and a digital portable pH meter was used to determine the pH level. All data were gathered and statistically analyzed.

Results: The mean age with early childhood caries (ECC) was 4.6 ± 0.4 and 3.8 ± 0.8 without ECC. In both the groups, the highest education of mothers was secondary and less [104 (59%) and 37 (56%), respectively]. In both with and without ECC, the maximum number of mothers Working was 111 (63%) and 41 (62%), respectively. The maximum number of children brushing their teeth once a day in both the groups were139 (79%) and 35 (53%), respectively, and 148 (84%) were using dentifrices to brush their teeth in the ECC group and 37 (56%) were using dentifrices to brush their teeth in without ECC group. The salivary pH is slightly less in with ECC (7.22 ± 0.34) group compared to without ECC group (7.48 ± 0.46). And there was a statistically significant difference found between the groups.

Conclusion: The current study demonstrated a significant association between the risk factors under investigation and early childhood caries among school children considered in the present study.

Clinical significance: Identifying children who are at risk might be aided by early screening for caries development. Both developed and developing nations continue to face a major public health issue with ECC. Despite the extensive knowledge that dental health professionals possess about the variables that lead to the development of ECC, it continues to be the most common and neglected oral healthcare requirement in children. How to cite this article: Chavan S, Chetani H, Yumnam G, et al. Evaluation of Early Childhood Caries and Its Association with Risk Factors among School Children: A Cross-sectional Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2024;25(8):758-761.