The Effect of Socioeconomic Level on Dental Caries among Preschool Children in Baghdad City

Abstract

Background: Dental caries and periodontal disease are the most common oral problems. It may start earlyin life and if not treated may end with tooth loss. Oral health is influenced by the socioeconomic status inwhich the socialization of the child takes place.Aim of the Study: The survey was made to investigate the effect of socioeconomic status on dental cariesof preschool children.Subjects and Method: The total sample composed of 893 children aged (4-5) year selected randomly fromdifferent kindergartens in Baghdad governorate. WHO 2013 index was used for assessment of the dentalcaries experience and questionnaire was send to parents to assess their knowledge and behavior.Results: Results showed that the prevalence of dental caries was 98% for the total sample, highly significantdifferences were seen between SES and dental caries experience dmfs of primary teeth, highly significantrelation between SES and parents knowledge in all questions except questions concerning tooth decay andcrowding of the permanent dentition was no significant while in behavior questions a highly significantrelation was seen in all questions except questions concerning the type of bristle of the brush and preferabletime for eating sweets was no significant . Conclusion: Preschool children in Baghdad were found to have ahigh prevalence of dental cariesSES effect on the dental condition. Hence this survey highlighted the needfor children to dental health education programs and public and school preventive measures among thosechildren.