Early childhood caries and associated risk factors among preschool children in Ras Al-Khaimah, United Arab Emirates
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Published on: March 29, 2018
M B Kowash1, J O Alkhabuli2, S A Dafaalla3
1HBMCDM, Mohammed Bin Rashid University, Dubai Healthcare City, PO Box 505097, Dubai, UAE. mkowash@gmail.com.
Insights
Early childhood caries (ECC) is highly prevalent in Ras Al-Khaimah preschool children, affecting 74.1%. Poor oral hygiene and infrequent dental visits contribute significantly to this dental decay crisis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Early Childhood Caries (ECC) poses a significant global health challenge.
- Understanding the prevalence and contributing factors of ECC in specific regions is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of ECC among preschool children in Ras Al-Khaimah (RAK), UAE.
- To identify key factors associated with ECC in this population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 540 preschool children aged 4-6 years in RAK.
- Data collected via questionnaires on demographics, feeding, hygiene, and dental visits.
- Clinical examination to assess caries status.
Main Results:
- ECC prevalence was high at 74.1%, with a mean dmft of 3.07.
- Low dental care index (3.8%) and infrequent dental visits were observed.
- Inadequate tooth brushing duration (<2 minutes) was linked to ECC.
Conclusions:
- High ECC prevalence and low dental care highlight an urgent need for preventive strategies in RAK.
- Community-based preventive programs and treatment plans for open cavities are recommended.
- Further prospective studies are warranted to inform long-term solutions.
Aim:
To investigate the prevalence and contributing factors of early childhood caries (ECC) in preschool children of Ras Al-Khaimah (RAK), United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Study Design:
Cross-sectional.
Methods:
The sample consisted of 540 healthy preschool children between four and six years of age attending 10 nursery schools in RAK, UAE. A structured questionnaire was distributed to the mothers of children who gave consent for their children to be included in the study. The questionnaire was used to collect information regarding child and mother's demographic data, children's feeding and dietary habits, oral hygiene practices and frequency of dental visits. The dental examination of children was conducted by one investigator using a mouth mirror and a torch light source.
Results:
Five hundred and forty children with a mean age of 5.1 (SD = 0.71) years were included in the study. The prevalence of ECC was 74.1%, the mean dmft was 3.07 ± 0.135. The significant caries index (SiC) was very high (13.3) and the care index was very low (3.8%). A high proportion of caries-free children and those with ECC were either never or only visited dentists when in pain. However, the difference in frequency of dental visits was statistically highly significant (p < 0.001). There was also a statistically significant difference in frequency of tooth brushing between children with and without caries and more than two-thirds of children with ECC spent less than two minutes when brushing their teeth. The difference in sweet consumption was not statistically significant.
Conclusion:
The prevalence of dental decay and the mean dmft were high and the care index was extremely low. There is a great need for prospective studies and community preventive programs to solve the problem of ECC and set plans to treat open cavities in RAK preschool children.
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