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Caries experience in 3 year old children of Cordoba, Argentina
S T Dorronsoro de Cattoni1, C Virga, G Lissera de Colantonio
1Departments of Introduction to Biochemistry and Biophysics, Introduction to Odontology, Microbiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Dentistry and Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, National University of Córdoba, Argentina.
Insights
Childhood caries prevalence was analyzed in a 3-year-old cohort. Findings reveal significant caries rates, particularly in boys, highlighting the need for early preventive dental care and interventions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Public Health
Background:
- Dental caries is a prevalent childhood disease.
- Early detection and intervention are crucial for managing oral health in young children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the prevalence and patterns of dental caries in a 3-year-old cohort.
- To identify risk factors and recommend preventive strategies.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study was conducted on 3-year-old children.
- Data on caries prevalence, decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMF-T), and lesion patterns were collected and analyzed.
Main Results:
- Caries prevalence was 19.7% in boys and 16.1% in girls.
- The first mandibular molar was the most affected tooth.
- Pits and fissures (PF) and anterior maxillary bone (AM) patterns were more prevalent, with significant differences observed between genders for buccolingual (BL) lesions.
Conclusions:
- The study population exhibits a notable prevalence of caries, posing a threat to primary and mixed dentitions.
- Recommendations include widespread preventive measures like improved oral hygiene and dietary habits, alongside therapeutic interventions such as fluoride applications and caries treatment.
Abstract:
The results of a study of caries in a 3 year old cohort of children performed by the CLACyD (Spanish abbreviation by initials for Nutrition, Growth and Development Program of Córdoba) are analysed. The prevalence of caries was 19.7% for boys and 16.1% for girls. Dmf-t and dmf-s values were 0.55-0.75% for girls and 0.73-1.22% for boys. The most affected element was the first mandibular molar (16.30% of the population). Extracted and filled elements accounted for 1.8 and 5.9% of the dmf-t index. According to the Caries Analysis System, a higher prevalence of the PF (pits and fissures) pattern and the AM (anterior maxillary bone) pattern was observed as compared to the PP (proximal posterior) and BL (buccolingual) patterns. The percentage distribution of BL lesions over all the patterns exhibited statistically significant (p = 0.05) differences between girls and boys. The PF and PP patterns were more severe in boys (p = 0.0006 and p = 0.002 respectively). Based on the present data we conclude that this population exhibits marked prevalence which can rapidly increase and pose a threat to temporary and mixed dentitions. We herein recommend preventive measures of widespread use (regarding toothbrushing, and eating habits with particular reference to carbohydrate consumption) and preventive-therapeutic treatments for diseased patients (topical applications of fluoride, sealing agents and active treatment of caries).