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Published on: December 31, 2017

Prevalence of early childhood caries in 4 Manitoba communities

Robert J Schroth1, Pattie Moore, Douglas J Brothwell

  • 1Faculty of Dentistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Journal (Canadian Dental Association)
|October 6, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Early childhood caries (ECC) affects over half of young children in Manitoba, with similar prevalence across urban and First Nations communities. This study highlights ECC as a significant issue requiring further prevention efforts.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Dentistry
  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Early childhood caries (ECC) is a severe form of tooth decay affecting young children.
  • Limited prevalence data exists for ECC in Manitoba, despite indications of high treatment demand.
  • Long waiting lists for hospital treatment of ECC suggest a significant problem in the province.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of ECC in children under 6 years old in four Manitoba communities.
  • To assess the oral health status of these young children.
  • To identify potential risk factors associated with ECC.

Main Methods:

  • Four communities in Manitoba were selected based on the number of young children needing dental treatment under general anesthesia.
  • Two communities were in the southern region, and two were in the northern region.
  • Each region included a disadvantaged urban community and a First Nations (on-reserve) community. Caregivers completed interviews and children received dental examinations.

Main Results:

  • A total of 408 children participated. The overall prevalence of ECC was 53.7%, with no significant difference between urban and First Nations communities.
  • The mean number of decayed, extracted, or filled teeth was 4.2.
  • Older children and those with more plaque were more likely to have ECC; caregiver education level was not associated with prevalence.

Conclusions:

  • ECC represents a serious public health concern in Manitoba.
  • This study provides essential baseline data for evaluating current and future ECC prevention strategies in the studied communities.
Abstract

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