Dental caries analysis in 3- 5-years-old children: a spatial modelling

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Dentistry
• Dental Public Health
• Spatial Epidemiology

Background:

• Dental caries in deciduous teeth is a significant public health concern in preschool-aged children.
• Understanding the spatial distribution and risk factors of early childhood caries is crucial for effective prevention and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To model experienced caries in deciduous teeth of 3-5-year-old children using spatial autologistic regression.
• To identify spatial risk patterns associated with decayed teeth in this pediatric population.

Main Methods:

• A study involving 400 children aged 3-5 years was conducted.
• Caries status of deciduous teeth was diagnosed and categorized by dental students under expert supervision.
• Spatially correlated binary data on caries were analyzed using an autologistic regression model.

Main Results:

• The autologistic model indicated that caries in the three nearest neighboring teeth (adjacent and opposing) significantly influenced a tooth's caries status.
• Risk assessment based on the model demonstrated a distinct spatial pattern of caries occurrence.

Conclusions:

• Each decayed deciduous tooth presents a risk to its three nearest neighbors.
• Caries risk exhibits an ascending pattern from incisors to molars and is higher in the maxilla and posterior teeth compared to the mandible and anterior teeth.
• These findings provide valuable insights for preventive and therapeutic dental interventions in children.