Early childhood caries among kindergarten children: prevalence and etiology in Kangnung, Korea

Objectives: Dental caries in primary teeth is a major health problem in Korea. According to the 2000 National Oral Health Survey, 83% of 5-year-olds experienced dental caries in primary teeth. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of early childhood caries (ECC) including noncavitated lesions (d1d2) in children 60-71 months of age (mean=67) in relation to feeding practices, oral hygiene practices, perinatal history, and eating behaviors in Kangnung, Korea. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 411 children 60-71 months of age, who were selected using a stratified cluster sampling method depending on gender, geographic location and population distribution in Kangnung city. The sample consisted of 13% of the total population of this age group. Two dentists using natural light, standard mouth mirror and explorer, and gauze wipes conducted the oral examinations. The NIDCR criteria including noncavitated lesions for dental caries diagnosis were used. A questionnaire was mailed to the parents of all subjects after the oral examination was conducted. Results: d1d2mf rate was 85.0% and mean scores for d1d2mft and d1d2mfs were 6.3 and 13.0 respectively. Response rate for the questionnaire was 84%. Children for whom toothbrushing was begun just after tooth eruption had significantly lower dmfs scores and lower severe ECC scores (P<0.05). The children who visited a dental clinic for periodic check ups had significantly lower dmfs scores, lower severe ECC scores, and a higher caries-free proportion (P<0.05). Children’s dental status was not significantly related to mother’s age or type of delivery. Conclusions: The study indicated that children who started their toothbrushing early and visited a dental clinic periodically showed low caries progression as well as low risk for severe ECC development.