Caries distribution pattern in primary dentition in children in early childhood from the Warsaw agglomeration

Abstract

Introduction. The high incidence and level of early childhood caries (ECC) in children aged 3 years in Poland indicate a high risk of developing this disease in younger children. Caries most often develops on the occlusal surfaces of molars. The distribution of caries in primary dentition changes with age. In younger children, the maxillary incisors are most often affected by caries, while in the older ones – molars. There are no current data describing caries distribution in younger children in Poland. Aim. Assessment of caries distribution, taking into account the surface in primary dentition in children in the second and third year of life from the Warsaw agglomeration. Material and methods. This was a cross-sectional study conducted among children aged 12-36 months to assess dental condition for the presence of non-cavitated (d1) and cavitated caries (d2), fillings (f), and missing (m) teeth (t) and surfaces (s) caused by caries. The frequency of ECC and its intensity (d1d2mft and d1d2mfs) were determined. In the statistical analysis, the chi-square test was used to compare the fractions (percentages). Results. A total of 496 children were examined, including 262 (52.8%) boys. S-ECC was recorded in 44.8% of the respondents, d1d2mft and d1d2mfs reached the values of 2.62 ± 3.88 and 4.46 ± 8.42, respectively. Central maxillary incisors (34.2%) and the first molars of both arches (21.0%, including 23.5% for the maxilla and 18.6% for the mandible) were most commonly affected by carious lesions. Carious lesions were most often found on the labial surfaces of the maxillary incisors (19.1%) and occlusal first molars (19.4%). Conclusions. Primary teeth caries in the early childhood period is characterized by a rapid transformation of non-cavitated lesions into cavitated ones and subsequent eruption of teeth. Carious lesions most are most often found on the labial surfaces of the central incisors of the maxilla and occlusal surfaces of the first molars.