The prevalence of early childhood caries and treatment needs among children attending Anganwadi centers in Goa state: A cross-sectional survey.

Abstract

The prevalence of early childhood caries (ECC) is widespread, as reported in studies conducted in various states across India. Many children residing in the rural areas attend Anganwadi centers for preprimary education, nourishment, and health care. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of ECC among children attending Anganwadi centers in the state of Goa and their treatment needs. The study was approved by the Institutional Ethical Committee of Goa Dental College and Hospital. The study was carried out in Anganwadi centers spanning the various districts and talukas of Goa state. The decayed, missing, and filled teeth (dmft) index was recorded in 3-5-year-old children along with treatment needs as per the modified WHO pro forma. Statistical software (STATA) for data science by StataCorp LLC (version 17), descriptive statistics, and Chi-square test. A total of 386 children were examined, out of which 47% had ECC. The prevalence of ECC was highest in Canacona and the least in Tiswadi talukas. The severity and occurrence of ECC were found to the proportional to age. With regard to treatment needs, 8.55% needed restoration of at least one surface, 10.88% needed restoration of 2 or more surfaces, 5.44% required a crown, 11.4% needed pulpal treatment, and 6.74% needed extractions. Within the dmft component, the percentage of decayed teeth was 46.89%, followed by filled (0.52%) and missing (0.52%) teeth. The prevalence and severity of ECC in children attending Anganwadi centers in Goa were found to be large and proportional with increasing age.