Prevalence Of Early Childhood Caries In 3 To 5 Year Old Preschool Children In Parbhani City, Maharashtra

Abstract

Introduction: Early Childhood Caries (ECC) is a significant dental public health problem that affects infants and preschool children all over the world, especially in economically poor population in developing and industrialised countries where under nutrition is common.

Aim: To assess the prevalence of ECC among 3 to 5 year old preschool children in Parbhani city, Maharashtra, India

Method: A  cross sectional study was carried out on total 637 preschool children of 3-5 year age from different areas of Parbhani city were selected randomly. ECC was recorded using ‘dmft’ index. And data was analysed using SPSS version in statistical software program and Chi square test was used to evaluate the results of prevalence of ECC.

Results: Prevalence of ECC in 3-5 year old children was found to be 40.97% (n=261). ECC was more prevalent in males 68.19% (n=178) as compared to females 31.81% (n=83). It was found more in the age group of 4 year 47.12% (n=123). And more in the maxillary posterior 40.37% (n=214) region followed by mandibular posterior region 31.69% (n=168). In maxillary anterior region it was 25.84% (n=137) with least prevalence of ECC in mandibular anterior region 2.1% (n=11).

Conclusion: Since the prevalence of dental caries is high among the population, effective preventive measures should be taken as early as possible.