Abstract
Objective: To investigate the pattern and severity of early childhood caries (ECC) by using the decayed and filled surface (dfs) index in preschool children in Al-Jouf, Saudi Arabia. Material and Methods: A convenience sample of 270 preschool children below 5 years of age (144 boys, 126 girls) attending outpatient pediatric dental clinics was selected for the study. World Health Organization criteria were used to diagnose caries through assessment of the dfs index. Information regarding oral hygiene practices, socio-economic status, and educational status of the mother was obtained through a structured questionnaire given to mothers. The data were statistically analyzed with the Chi-square test and Student's t-test. Results: 73% of children were not brushing regularly; 74.4% of them were using fluoridated toothpaste. In the maxillary teeth, boys had a higher mean dfs index (10.25), as well as a higher number of decayed surfaces (ds), than girls. In the mandibular teeth, boys and girls had similar mean dfs indices. Significant differences were observed between boys and girls regarding filled buccal surfaces (p=0.001) and occlusal surfaces (p=0.001) in maxillary teeth. The mandibular first molar was the most commonly affected tooth (93.3%); lower anterior teeth were the least affected teeth (2-4%) among the primary dentition. Conclusion: The ECC pattern in the northern region of Saudi Arabia follows the typical pattern of nursing caries.
Highlights
Caries is an infectious disease, the effects of which include pain, inadequate nutrition, speech problems, sleep disturbances, and orthodontic problems, in children; psychological effects are observed in both children and parents due to poor esthetics [1]
Material and Methods: A convenience sample of 270 preschool children below 5 years of age (144 boys, 126 girls) attending outpatient pediatric dental clinics was selected for the study
A convenience sample of 270 preschool children below 5 years of age, who visited an outpatient pediatric dental clinic was selected for the study
Summary
Caries is an infectious disease, the effects of which include pain, inadequate nutrition, speech problems, sleep disturbances, and orthodontic problems, in children; psychological effects are observed in both children and parents due to poor esthetics [1]. Several studies have revealed very high caries prevalence among preschool children in Saudi Arabia (KSA) [6,7]. Recent reports from developed countries indicate unequal distributions in caries prevalence among preschoolers, with higher caries prevalence and severity in certain ethnic and immigrant groups [8,9]. Caries prevalence and severity are reportedly high in Middle Eastern countries (2012-2014). In 2015, it was reported that the mean decayed, missing, and filled teeth (dmft) and decayed, missing, and filled tooth surfaces (dmfs) indices of Emirati preschool children were 10.9 and 32.1, respectively [10]. Whereas in Saudi preschool children, it was found that mean dmft was 6.1 [11]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call