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Early childhood caries prevalence and associated risk factors among Saudi preschool children in Riyadh

Lujane K AlMarshad1, Amjad H Wyne2, Asma M AlJobair1

  • 1Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, College of Dentistry, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi Dental Journal
|December 23, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Early childhood caries (ECC) is highly prevalent in Riyadh preschoolers. Risk factors include feeding practices and oral hygiene, while socioeconomic status plays a protective role.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Pediatric Dentistry
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Early childhood caries (ECC) poses a significant global health challenge, particularly in developing regions.
  • Understanding the prevalence and risk factors of ECC is crucial for targeted intervention strategies in preschool populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of early childhood caries (ECC) in Saudi preschoolers aged 36-71 months in Riyadh.
  • To investigate the association between sociodemographic factors, infant feeding practices, oral hygiene, and ECC prevalence.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 383 Saudi preschoolers in Riyadh.
  • Data collection through parental questionnaires on sociodemographics, medical, dental, and dietary history, and oral hygiene practices.
  • Clinical oral examinations to assess caries, oral hygiene, and plaque deposition.

Main Results:

  • ECC prevalence was high at 72.6%, with a mean dmft score of 4.13 and dmfs score of 7.0.
  • Children from northern Riyadh schools and those with fathers in professional jobs showed lower ECC risk.
  • Nocturnal feeding history and poor oral hygiene were significantly associated with increased ECC prevalence.

Conclusions:

  • The high prevalence of ECC in Riyadh highlights an urgent need for public health interventions.
  • Parental socioeconomic factors, infant feeding practices, and children's oral hygiene status are key determinants of ECC.
  • Targeted preventive strategies focusing on these risk factors are essential for reducing ECC burden in this population.
Abstract

Keywords:
Caries risk factorsEarly childhood cariesPreschool childrenPrevalenceSaudi Arabia

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