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Caries prevalence, severity and pattern in pre-school children
Amjad H Wyne1, Nadya A Al-Ghannam, Abdullah R Al-Shammery
1Department of Preventive Dental Sciences, King Saud University, College of Dentistry, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. ahwyne@ksu.edu.sa
Saudi Medical Journal
|June 19, 2002
Summary
Dental caries prevalence is high in Al-Ahsa preschool children, with untreated decay being a major concern. Maxillary incisor decay suggests nursing caries patterns in this Saudi Arabian population.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Public Health Dentistry
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Dental caries remains a significant global oral health issue, particularly in preschool populations.
- Understanding the prevalence and patterns of early childhood caries (ECC) is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence, severity, and pattern of dental caries among preschool children in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia.
- To identify specific tooth types most affected by caries and potential contributing factors.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 322 preschool children in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia.
- Dental caries assessment using World Health Organization (WHO) criteria.
- Data collected in 2000.
Main Results:
- The mean decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) score was 2.92, with decay being the primary component.
- Caries prevalence was 62.7%, with no significant differences based on gender, kindergarten type, or area.
- Significant differences in DMFT scores and caries prevalence were observed between different age groups (4-year-olds vs. 5-year-olds).
- Mandibular first molars were the most frequently affected teeth, followed by mandibular second molars and maxillary central incisors.
Conclusions:
- Preschool children in Al-Ahsa exhibit high caries prevalence and DMFT scores compared to developed countries.
- A substantial proportion of untreated caries was noted, indicated by the high decay component.
- The pattern of carious maxillary incisors suggests the presence of nursing caries.