Prevalence and Management of Early Childhood Caries in Preschoolers

Rajendran Ganesh1, Abinash Mohapatra2, Rajivi Kalpakuri3

  • 1Department of Preventive Dental Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Al Baha University, Al Baha, AL Aqiq Campus, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Insights

Early childhood caries (ECC) affects 65% of preschoolers, impacting their overall health. Effective management requires comprehensive oral health programs and further research into prevention and treatment disparities.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Dentistry
  • Public Health
  • Oral Health Epidemiology

Background:

  • Early childhood caries (ECC) is a widespread global oral health problem in young children.
  • ECC negatively impacts children's overall health and well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence and management of ECC in preschoolers within a specific setting.
  • To identify factors associated with ECC severity.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study of 300 preschoolers aged 3-5 years.
  • Clinical examinations and interviews on demographics, hygiene, diet, and dental visits.
  • Statistical analysis to assess prevalence and associations.

Main Results:

  • ECC prevalence was 65% with a mean dmfs score of 4.2.
  • Age, gender, socioeconomic status, and hygiene practices correlated with ECC severity.
  • Management included fluoride, education, and restorative care.

Conclusions:

  • ECC is a significant public health issue requiring targeted programs.
  • Comprehensive strategies are vital to reduce ECC burden and improve outcomes.
  • Further research should address systemic barriers in ECC prevention and management.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Tooth Anatomy01:21

Tooth Anatomy

The human tooth enables us to eat a variety of foods, speak clearly, and even aid in shaping our faces. Teeth are composed of various elements that work together. Here's a detailed look at the anatomy of a human tooth.
The Crown, Neck, and Root
The visible part of the tooth is referred to as the crown. It's covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. The crown is uniquely shaped for each type of tooth, allowing for different functions such as cutting, tearing, or...
386
Preventive Healthcare Services01:30

Preventive Healthcare Services

Preventive healthcare services keep people healthy via frequent check-ups, screening, and counseling. They primarily aid in disease prevention rather than treating an acute or chronic illness. Preventive treatment also keeps individuals productive and energetic, allowing them to work well into their retirement years. Examples of preventive care services include:
973
Teeth01:15

Teeth

The formation of teeth, also known as odontogenesis, is a complex process that begins in utero, around the sixth week of embryonic development. There are three stages to this process: the bud stage, the cap stage, and the bell stage.
In the bud stage, the tooth germ (an aggregation of cells) starts to form in the developing jawbone. During the cap stage, the tooth germ differentiates into enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental sac, which will later develop into the tooth's enamel, dentin...
343
Levels of Health Promotion and Illness Prevention01:26

Levels of Health Promotion and Illness Prevention

Health promotion allows a person to control the determinants of health, resulting in an improved health status. It enhances the quality of life and reduces premature deaths. Health promotion and illness prevention programs help people make beneficial choices to reduce the risk of disease and disabilities. There are three health promotion and illness prevention levels: primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention.
In primary prevention, actions taken before disease onset prevent the disease from...
12.5K
Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures01:22

Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures

Essential infection prevention measures are based on the knowledge of the infection chain, the modes of transmission in healthcare settings, and the use of the best practices in all healthcare settings. Compulsory public reporting of healthcare-associated infection rates is needed to allow individuals and the community to make informed choices regarding selecting a healthcare facility.
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
2.5K
Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention01:30

Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention

Nursing management of pneumonia involves promoting airway patency, facilitating rest and conserving energy, encouraging fluid intake, maintaining nutrition, and educating patients.
The nurse must practice strict medical asepsis and adhere to infection control guidelines to minimize healthcare-associated infections.
Enhance airway patency
Position the patient correctly to facilitate drainage of the affected lung segments. Manual or mechanical percussion and vibration can also be employed....
1.9K