Early childhood caries: epidemiological survey among preschool children in the region of Monastir
Objectives: The aim of this study was to estimate the prevelance of ECC among preschool children in the region of Monastir and to identify risk factors associated with ECC. Methods: This is a community-based descriptive cross-sectional study which focuses on children in preschool establishments.It consisted on an oral examination of 393 children and a data collection through a questionnaire completed by the parents.The ANOVA test and the Pearson chi-square test were used to assess the relationship between the prevalence of ECC and the different characteristics of the sapmle. Results: The prevalence of ECC in this sample was 49.9% and the mean dmf score was 1,42.This survey showed statistically significant relationship between the prevalence of ECC and the frequency sweat consumption (p=0.025), the frequency of tooth brushing(p=0.05) and mother’s level of education(p=0.039). Conclusions: The best way to reduce the prevalence of ECC seems to be the prevention by educating parents about the importance of temporary dentition for an optimal child developement