Prevalence of Early Childhood Caries and associated Risk Factors from 1 to 12 years Old Children

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of early childhood caries in children of age 1 to 12 years old and to assess the risk factors and pattern of caries. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the department of paedodontics, Nishtar Institute of Dentistry, Multan. A questionnaire was prepared to ask the questions to caregivers. Different diagnostic tools were used to detect caries in children. Different statistical test like chi-square and ANOVA is performed to analyse the significant results. Out of 500 children, 320 were experienced early childhood caries. When results were analysed on gender basis, it was concluded that female have more carries lesion than male child. Bottle feeding and sweet consumption were observed in children who have the high score in caries. When we examined tooth pattern, more caries lesion found on maxillary anterior teeth (incisor) and mandibular molars. The prevalence of early childhood caries is high in the city of saints (Multan). Baby bottle feeding prevalence is 64 %. Caries is generally associated with plaque accumulation, tooth brushing, and malocclusion, bottle feeding and sweet consumption.