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Dental caries prevalence and treatment among Navajo preschool children
D M O'Sullivan1, J M Douglass, R Champany
1Department of Pediatric Dentistry, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington 06030-1610.
Insights
Navajo preschool children exhibit exceptionally high rates of early-onset dental caries, with significant treatment needs. This study highlights their critical risk for developing cavities, underscoring a public health concern.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Limited published dental health data exists for Navajo preschool children.
- Early childhood caries (ECC) is a significant public health issue globally.
- Understanding caries patterns in underserved populations is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the dental health status of Navajo preschool children.
- To document the prevalence and patterns of dental caries in this under-researched population.
- To identify potential risk factors and treatment needs related to dental caries.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study analyzing caries data from 2,003 Navajo children (aged 3-5 years) in Head Start.
- Included 115 younger children (under 3 years) from the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program.
- Utilized dental examination data to assess dmfs (decayed, missing, or filled teeth) and caries prevalence.
Main Results:
- Extremely high mean dmfs scores were observed across all age groups.
- A substantial proportion (up to 70%) of the dmfs index comprised treated surfaces.
- Maxillary anterior caries appeared by age two, with prevalence reaching 68% in three-year-olds; posterior proximal caries were evident by age two.
Conclusions:
- The Navajo preschool population studied is at high risk for developing dental caries.
- This population exhibits one of the earliest onsets of caries and among the highest prevalence and treatment levels reported.
- Findings indicate a critical need for early dental interventions and preventive strategies for Navajo children.
Objectives:
The purpose of this study was to assess the dental health of Navajo preschool children, a population about whom little dental information is published.
Methods:
Caries data were collected and analyzed for 2,003 Navajo children aged 3-5 years in the Head Start program, and for a convenience sample of 115 children younger than three years old from the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program.
Results:
Each age group had an extremely high mean dmfs; however, as much as 70 percent of this index comprised treated surfaces. Maxillary anterior caries was observed in the WIC children under two years of age and posterior proximal caries was observed as early as two years of age. The prevalence of maxillary anterior caries reached a maximum of 68 percent in the three-year-old Head Start children, and may be associated with the high level of posterior caries in this population.
Conclusions:
Most children in this population may be considered at risk for developing caries. This Navajo preschool population has perhaps the earliest caries onset, among the highest caries prevalence, and among the highest level of treatment of any reported population.