Early Childhood Caries and Oral Hygiene Practices in Preschool Children in Dubai: A Cross-sectional Study

This study aims to assess the oral health status of preschool children in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, with a specific focus on their brushing habits, the prevalence of dental caries, and gingival health.

A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among children under 6 years of age attending pediatric dental clinics at Dubai Academic Health Corporation (DAHC). Clinical examinations were performed using the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS), oral debris index (ODI), gingival index (GI), and calculus index (CI) to evaluate oral hygiene and gingival condition. A structured questionnaire was administered to parents or guardians to gather data on brushing habits, including supervision status, frequency, and technique.

A total of 145 children were screened (51% male; mean age 4.06 ± 0.88 years). Extensive dental caries was prevalent, with most children presenting ICDAS scores equivalent to ICDAS codes 5 and 6. Treatments commonly included preformed metal crowns (PMCs) and extractions. Gingival health was generally mild, with a mean GI score of 0.19, while the mean ODI score of 1.05 indicated fair oral hygiene. Brushing supervision was common, primarily by mothers, though unsupervised brushing was also reported. Children who were regularly supervised during brushing tended to show better oral hygiene and lower gingival inflammation.

Preschool children in Dubai exhibit a high prevalence of dental caries and mild gingival inflammation. Brushing habits, particularly the presence of supervision, play a crucial role in maintaining oral hygiene. These findings highlight the need for targeted oral health education and preventive strategies to improve brushing practices and reduce caries risk in early childhood.