Early childhood caries in preschool children of Kosovo - a serious public health problem
نویسندگان
چکیده
BACKGROUND Even though it has been widely studied, early childhood caries (ECC) remains a serious public health problem, especially in countries where there is no national program of oral health assessment and no genuine primary oral health care, such as in Kosovo. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of ECC and analyze caries risk factors. METHODS The subjects were 1,008 preschool children, selected by stratified random cluster sampling, in the municipality of Prishtina, capital of Kosovo. Data were collected through clinical examination and interviews. Dmft data were recorded according to WHO criteria. Bacterial examination (CRT bacteria test) and plaque test of Greene-Vermillion were used. RESULTS The mean dmft of preschool children was found to be 5.8. The prevalence of ECC was 17.36%, with a mean dmft of 11 ± 3.6. Streptococcus mutans prevalence in ECC children was 98%. A significant correlation between dmft and S mutans counts (≥105 CFU/mL saliva) was demonstrated. A correlation was also found between daily sweets consumption and dmft in children with ECC (P < 0.001). Comparing the dmft of ECC children and duration of bottle feeding showed a statistical correlation (P < 0.001). The mean plaque test was 1.52. None of the examined children had ever used fluoride. CONCLUSION The prevalence of ECC was high among preschool children in the municipality of Kosovo. We recommend increasing parents' knowledge of proper feeding habits and oral health practices, and increasing preschool children's accessibility to dental services.
منابع مشابه
Dental Health Evaluation of Children in Kosovo
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to assess caries prevalence of preschool and school children in Kosovo. METHODS The assessment, which was carried out between 2002 and 2005, included measurements of early childhood caries, deft and DMFT. RESULTS In total, 1,237 preschool and 2,556 school children were examined. The mean deft of preschool children was 5.9, and the mean DMFT of school chi...
متن کاملEarly childhood caries and its association with socio-economic risk factors
Introduction: Early dental caries in childhood is one of the most prevalent health problems. This survey was conducted to determine the prevalence of early childhood caries and its contributing socio-economic factors among kindergarten children of Semnen, Iran. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 1332 children under 6 years from Semnan kindergartens were selected by census and...
متن کاملThe association between growth factors and blood factors with early childhood caries
BACKGROUND AND AIM: Early childhood caries (ECC) is a specific form of rampant dental caries affecting infants and young children. ECC is still a problem that threatens the health of the community and its management is important. It is believed that the majorities of children with ECC also suffer from malnutrition, anemia, low weight and altered physical growth patterns. This study was undertak...
متن کاملPrevalence of Early Childhood Caries and the Related Factors among 3-6 years in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province.l
Background & Aim: Early Childhood Caries is one of the most common health problems, and numerous factors play a role in its onset and progression. Investigating these factors and providing timely training for parents can play an important role in controlling the disease. The present study aims at determining the frequency of early childhood caries and its related factors in children aged 3-6 ye...
متن کامل