Gingivitis and Associated Factors Among Children in Boxes Toddlers in Senegal

Abstract

Abstract:The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of gingivitis and the factors associated in boxes toddlers among 3-6 year-old preschool children in 3 regions in Senegal. This was a descriptive and cross sectional study covering 984 preschool children aged 3 to 6 years and attending boxes toddlers in the regions of Dakar (urban area), Saint-Louis (semi-urban and urban areas) and Kaolack (semi-urban and rural areas). They were selected through both a cluster sampling and a stratified sampling and the clusters were drawn at random. These children obtained parental permission to participate in the survey. The socio-demographic data, the gingivitis status and the parental knowledge on oral preventive methods applied to children, were collected. The data was analysed using SPSS Version 19 software with a significance level of 5%. In total 901 children were examined: 299 in Dakar, 302 in Saint-Louis and 300 in Kaolack with respective completeness rate of 93%, 91% and 90%. Girls constituted 56.6% of the sample; children aged six were less represented (10.7%), while children of non-salaried parents constituted 77.3% of the sample. Fourteen percent of the children had an inflamed gingiva. The distribution of gingivitis according to socio-demographic data does not show a significant association. Depending on the region, gingivitis differently distributed (p<0.01). Between Dakar and Saint-Louis (p<0.01) and between Dakar and Kaolack (p<0.02), the differences were significant. However between Saint-Louis and Kaolack, there was not a significant difference (p>0.90). Gingivitis is significantly associated with the frequency of brushing (p=0.03), it is not significantly associated with visiting the dentist (p>0.20). These results suggest the importance of hygiene and perhaps the parent oral health literacy in the prevention of this infection often overlooked because painless most of the time. To avoid damage as noma more prevalent in rural area, health officials may develop integrated community programs against gingivitis in boxes toddlers in Senegal.

Assessment of dental caries prevention program applied to a cohort of elementary school children of Kebemer, a city in Senegal

“…The probable precursor role of oral diseases in the occurrence of noma, a mutilating affection of the face in children in Africa, should further motivate health officials to develop this program in all schoolchildren and in rural areas. [ 20 ] The messages must be focused on the integration of oral health on the body, on food hygiene correcting bad habits, and avoiding snacking between meals. Similarly, periodic routine visits to the dental practitioner, the use of fluoride in areas where fluoride content is low, and screening and early treatment should be the essential points of messages for the children.…”