Pattern and Severity of Early Childhood Caries among Preschool Children in Northern Region, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the pattern and severity of early childhood caries (ECC) by using the decayed and filled surface (dfs) index in preschool children in Al-Jouf, Saudi Arabia. Material and Methods: A convenience sample of 270 preschool children below 5 years of age (144 boys, 126 girls) attending outpatient pediatric dental clinics was selected for the study. World Health Organization criteria were used to diagnose caries through assessment of the dfs index. Information regarding oral hygiene practices, socioeconomic status, and educational status of the mother was obtained through a structured questionnaire given to mothers. The data were statistically analyzed with the Chi-square test and Student's t-test. Results: 73% of children were not brushing regularly; 74.4% of them were using fluoridated toothpaste. In the maxillary teeth, boys had a higher mean dfs index (10.25), as well as a higher number of decayed surfaces (ds), than girls. In the mandibular teeth, boys and girls had similar mean dfs indices. Significant differences were observed between boys and girls regarding filled buccal surfaces (p=0.001) and occlusal surfaces (p=0.001) in maxillary teeth. The mandibular first molar was the most commonly affected tooth (93.3%); lower anterior teeth were the least affected teeth (2-4%) among the primary dentition. Conclusion: The ECC pattern in the northern region of Saudi Arabia follows the typical pattern of nursing caries.

Association of oral hygiene practices with the outcome of untreated dental caries and its clinical consequences in pre‐ and primary school children: A cross‐sectional study in a northern province of Saudi Arabia

“…Moreover, the type of toothpaste (e.g., fluoride or non-fluoride toothpaste) was not included as a variable considering that most children use fluoride toothpaste in the northern region as reported in a previous study (Gudipaneni, 2019). The duration of brushing, the design and quality of the toothbrush, the brushing technique and the age at which the child started brushing his/her teeth were not studied.…”

“…However, we cannot ignore the modifying effect of other host‐related risk factors as determinants of ECC, including socio‐behavioral and environmental factors, especially child feeding practices. Moreover, the type of toothpaste (e.g., fluoride or non‐fluoride toothpaste) was not included as a variable considering that most children use fluoride toothpaste in the northern region as reported in a previous study (Gudipaneni, 2019 ). The duration of brushing, the design and quality of the toothbrush, the brushing technique and the age at which the child started brushing his/her teeth were not studied.…”

“…In addition to studying the OHP associated with tooth decay, the clinical consequences of UDC associated with poor OHP should be investigated. The northern province of the KSA has a high prevalence of UDC and its clinical consequences in preschool children (Gudipaneni, 2019 ; Gudipaneni et al, 2019 ). Therefore, the present study aims to evaluate the prevalence of UDC and its clinical consequences associated with OHP.…”

Prevalence and risk factors of early childhood caries in the middle east region: A Systematic Review

“…The earlier and latest studies included in our review were conducted in 1985 by Salem and Holm in Gizan and Gudipaneni in northern Saudi Arabia. 30 among the 0-6 age group, which were explored by 26 studies. Among them, 16 were related to the sociodemographic status, 28 to dietary habits, 21 to oral or dental hygiene practices, 17 were related to the healthcare system, and 21 were grouped under other varied factors.…”

“…27 The mean DMFT ranged from 0.95 to 16.9, which was reported in studies from Jeddah, West Province, and Al-Jouf, northern region of Saudi Arabia. 19,30 In the UAE, the prevalence ranged from 41 to 83%. 6,7 A national survey conducted by El-Nadeef et al on the oral health of 5-year-old children in nine medical districts of the UAE reported the highest prevalence of 83%.…”