Dental caries among 6-year-olds in Ajman, UAE: a cross-sectional study

To assess the prevalence and experience of dental caries among 6-year-old children in Ajman, United Arab Emirates (UAE), and examine associations with sociodemographic, behavioural, and service-related factors.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 285 Grade One children in government schools. Parent questionnaires captured background, diet, oral hygiene, fluoride exposure, and dental visits. Clinical dental examinations were conducted using the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS II), with d(4-6)mft as the main criterion, and incipient lesions (d(1-2)) were also systematically recorded, providing novel insight into the early stages of caries lesions amongst local children.

The findings revealed a high prevalence of dental caries, with children experiencing both advanced and early-stage lesions. The prevalence of dental caries was 85.6%, with a mean d(4-6)mft score of 5.8 ± 4.4, whilst incipient caries (d(1-2)t) affected 47.6% of the children. Caries experience was higher amongst children who frequently consumed sugar-sweetened beverages (ARR [Adjusted Rate Ration] = 2.4, 95% CI 0.9-7.5), whilst regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste was associated with lower caries experience (ARR = 0.5, 95% CI 0.3-0.9). In contrast, symptom-driven dental visits were statistically significantly associated with greater caries experience (ARR = 2.0, 95% CI 1.0-4.1).

The present study identified a high prevalence of dental caries amongst 6-year-old children in Ajman and represents the first report in the UAE to include both incipient and cavitated lesions based on ICDAS-II. These findings highlight the need to strengthen national oral health strategies through school-based caries preventive programmes and integration into child health policies. They support implementing school-based fluoride and dietary interventions to reduce caries experience and advance child oral health in the UAE.