IADR Abstract Archives
Risk Factors in Early Childhood Caries-A Cross Sectional Study
Objectives: The latest oral health survey of preschool children in Malaysia (NOHPS 2015) indicates that early
childhood caries (ECC) still remain a major challenge. Studies have shown that social and behavioral factors have major influence in the development of early childhood caries among preschool children. The objectives of this study were to i) assess the caries prevalence and ii) assess its association with socioeconomic factors, feeding practices and oral health behaviors among a group of preschool children in the local urban district of Shah Alam, Malaysia.
Methods: A cross sectional study of 124 preschool children selected through random sampling from
preschool and childcare centers in the district was conducted. Parents were given a set of structured questionnaires to answer and upon getting parental consent, an oral examination was conducted on their children. Variables include socio demographics and related oral health behavior practices.
Results: The prevalence of dental caries among the preschool children was 48.4% with mean dft score of 2.51(SD
3.73.). The study also demonstrated a significant association of children drinking formula milk and sweet drinks in their bottles: p=0.002 and p=0.024 respectively. Besides that children from lower income family (less than RM3000) presented with higher mean dft which is 3.17 (SD 3.39) as compared to those from higher income family(more than RM8000) which is 1.45 (SD 3.02). Descriptive analysis showed that children who started bottle feeding before the age of 1 year have higher caries prevalence (31.4%) compared to children who started bottle feeding after 2 years old (4.8%).
Conclusions: Socio behavioural factors in this study population have been associated with development of ECC. Thus, oral health promotion programs should target high risk social groups and address inequality. Active participation of parents and child carers can help to reduce prevalence of ECC in preschool children.
childhood caries (ECC) still remain a major challenge. Studies have shown that social and behavioral factors have major influence in the development of early childhood caries among preschool children. The objectives of this study were to i) assess the caries prevalence and ii) assess its association with socioeconomic factors, feeding practices and oral health behaviors among a group of preschool children in the local urban district of Shah Alam, Malaysia.
Methods: A cross sectional study of 124 preschool children selected through random sampling from
preschool and childcare centers in the district was conducted. Parents were given a set of structured questionnaires to answer and upon getting parental consent, an oral examination was conducted on their children. Variables include socio demographics and related oral health behavior practices.
Results: The prevalence of dental caries among the preschool children was 48.4% with mean dft score of 2.51(SD
3.73.). The study also demonstrated a significant association of children drinking formula milk and sweet drinks in their bottles: p=0.002 and p=0.024 respectively. Besides that children from lower income family (less than RM3000) presented with higher mean dft which is 3.17 (SD 3.39) as compared to those from higher income family(more than RM8000) which is 1.45 (SD 3.02). Descriptive analysis showed that children who started bottle feeding before the age of 1 year have higher caries prevalence (31.4%) compared to children who started bottle feeding after 2 years old (4.8%).
Conclusions: Socio behavioural factors in this study population have been associated with development of ECC. Thus, oral health promotion programs should target high risk social groups and address inequality. Active participation of parents and child carers can help to reduce prevalence of ECC in preschool children.