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Epidemiological study of dental caries
T Venugopal1, V S Kulkarni, R A Nerurker
1Department of Pediatrics, Dr. R.N. Cooper Municipal General Hospital, Mumbai.
Indian Journal of Pediatrics
|April 25, 2000
Summary
Dental caries affects over a third of children in Mumbai. Factors like maternal literacy, sweet consumption, and bottle feeding increase risk, while good nutrition and specific oral hygiene practices like using a toothbrush or neem datun can reduce prevalence.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Public Health
Background:
- Dental caries is a significant oral health issue in children.
- Understanding prevalence and risk factors is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of dental caries in children aged 1-14 years in Mumbai.
- To identify factors influencing caries prevalence, including socioeconomic status, diet, and oral hygiene practices.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 2000 children aged 1-14 years from pediatric outpatient departments, school clinics, and well-body clinics.
- Data collected on caries prevalence, parental literacy, income, dietary habits, feeding practices, and oral hygiene methods.
Main Results:
- Overall caries prevalence was 35.6%.
- Maternal literacy, frequent consumption of sweets, and bottle feeding (in 1-4 year olds) were associated with higher caries prevalence.
- Good nutritional status, vegetarian diet, use of toothbrush with paste, neem datun, and rinsing mouth with water after meals were associated with lower caries prevalence.
- Parental income did not show a significant association with caries prevalence.
Conclusions:
- Dental caries is prevalent in Mumbai children, influenced by maternal literacy, diet, and feeding habits.
- Promoting good nutrition, limiting sugar intake, and encouraging effective oral hygiene practices are essential for caries prevention.
- Specific practices like using toothbrushes, neem datun, and post-meal water rinsing show protective effects against dental caries.