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Caries prevalence in 2.5-year-old children
M Grindefjord1, G Dahllöf, G Ekström
1Department of Paedodontics, Karolinska Instiutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
Caries Research
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Early colonization by cariogenic bacteria like mutans streptococci and lactobacilli significantly increases dental caries risk in young children. Children with immigrant backgrounds also showed higher caries prevalence.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Oral Microbiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Dental caries is a prevalent issue in early childhood.
- Understanding risk factors for early childhood caries is crucial for prevention.
- Oral microflora and host factors play significant roles in caries development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of caries and gingivitis in 2.5-year-old children.
- To investigate the association between oral microflora, saliva buffer capacity, and caries.
- To identify risk factors for early childhood caries, including dietary habits, oral hygiene, and socio-ethnic background.
Main Methods:
- Clinical examination of 832 children for caries and gingivitis.
- Microbiological analysis of mutans streptococci and lactobacilli from tongue samples.
- Salivary buffer capacity measurement and parental questionnaires on lifestyle factors.
Main Results:
- 11.7% initial and 6.4% manifest caries prevalence observed.
- Maxillary incisors were the most common site for caries lesions (72%).
- Higher caries prevalence was significantly associated with mutans streptococci, lactobacilli, and immigrant background.
Conclusions:
- Early colonization by cariogenic microflora is linked to increased dental caries risk.
- Immigrant background is a significant risk factor for early childhood caries.
- Multifactorial approaches are needed to address early childhood caries, considering microbial, host, and socio-environmental factors.