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Risk factors for rampant caries in children from southwestern Nigeria

M O Folayan1, C A Sowole, A Kola-Jebutu

  • 1Department of Child Dental Health, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-lfe, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria. toyinukpong@yahoo.com

African Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences
|March 6, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Frequent sugar intake in children is a significant risk factor for rampant caries. Limiting sugary diets to less than three times daily is crucial for preventing severe tooth decay in pediatric populations.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Dentistry
  • Dental Public Health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Rampant caries poses a significant oral health challenge in children.
  • Identifying modifiable risk factors is essential for effective prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate risk factors associated with rampant caries in Nigerian children.
  • To determine the relationship between dietary habits and severe tooth decay.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 205 healthy Nigerian children from hospital-based pediatric units.
  • Data collected through parental questionnaires on feeding practices and sugary diet frequency.
  • Statistical analysis to establish associations between various factors and rampant caries.

Main Results:

  • Age and frequency of daily sugar consumption were significantly associated with rampant caries.
  • Higher sugar intake increased the odds of rampant caries.
  • A threshold of more than three sugary servings daily significantly elevated caries risk.

Conclusions:

  • Children consuming sugary diets more than three times daily are at high risk for rampant caries.
  • Dietary modification, particularly reducing sugar frequency, is a key preventive measure.
Abstract

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