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Caries development in children from 1.5 to 3 years of age: a longitudinal study
Insights
Early childhood caries (dental caries) risk is high for children developing cavities before age two. This prospective study tracked 374 children from 1.5 to 3 years old, highlighting the importance of early detection and intervention for preventing dental caries.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Dental caries is a significant public health issue in early childhood.
- Early identification of caries risk factors is crucial for effective prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a prospective clinical study on caries prevalence in young children.
- To identify children at higher risk for developing dental caries based on early onset.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 374 children, born between 1989-1991, was followed from 1.5 to 3 years of age.
- Children attended regular check-ups at a public health center in Kunitachi-city, Tokyo.
- Preventive dental care guidance was provided to all participating children and parents.
Main Results:
- Caries prevalence increased from 6.1% at 1.5 years to 31.8% at 3 years of age.
- Children who developed caries before age 2 had significantly higher mean dft (decayed, missing, or filled teeth) at age 3.
- Early onset of dental caries is a strong predictor of future caries development.
Conclusions:
- Children who experience dental caries before the age of two are at a substantially increased risk for ongoing and future caries.
- Early and consistent preventive dental care is essential for mitigating caries progression in high-risk children.
Abstract:
This study was designed as a prospective clinical caries prevalence study starting with children at 1.5 years of age. The subjects were 374 children who were born between 1989 and 1991. All subjects visited a public health center in Kunitachi-city, Tokyo, at 1.5 years, 2 years, and 3 years of age. All the children and parents have followed preventive dental care guidance. Dental caries were always examined by one of the authors. The caries prevalences at 1.5 years, 2 years, and 3 years of age were 6.1%, 14.7%, and 31.8%, respectively. The mean dft at 3 years of age in children who developed caries before 2 years of age was significantly greater than that in children caries free at 2 years of age. The findings from the current study showed that children who develop caries before 2 years of age are at greater risk for dental caries.