The prevalence of Early Childhood Caries in 1-2 yrs olds in a semi-urban area of Sri Lanka

Abstract

BackgroundECC remains a problem in both developed and developing countries and ECC has been considered to be present in epidemic proportions in the developing countries. The aetiology and associated factors of ECC should be studied adequately to overcome this health hazard. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of ECC in 1 to 2 years old children in some selected MOH areas (semi-urban) in the district of Colombo, Sri Lanka.MethodsThis study was conducted as a cross sectional study. A total of 422 children aged 1-2 years were selected using systematic sampling technique in Maharagama, Piliyandala, Nugegoda and Boralesgamuwa MOH areas in Colombo district, Western province, Sri Lanka. The pre-test was done initially with 10 children aged 1 1/2 year olds.Prior to the clinical examination of each child, a questionnaire consisting questions regarding tooth brushing, dietary habits, breast and bottle feeding, long term medications(Sweetened medications taken more than 3 months), attending a dental clinic during pregnancy of mother and socio-economical status of the family was administered to mothers of those children. Sterile dental mouth mirrors were used to detect ECC in children.ResultsThe prevalence of ECC of the whole sample of 410 children aged 1-2 years was 32.19% and the mean dmft was 2.01 and the mean dmfs was 3.83. From the children who had ECC 95% were untreated. There were significant relationships between dmft and long term use of medications (p < 0.000), intake of sugar with milk (p = 0.013), sweet consumption (p = 0.013), employment of mothers (p < 0.000) and visiting a dental clinic during pregnancy (p < 0.000).ConclusionsThis study documents high prevalence and severity of ECC among 1-2 years old children in four selected MOH areas of Colombo district and caries in most of the children with ECC (95%) were untreated. Results reveal an urgent need to increase awareness among the public about ECC and institute preventive strategies.

Natural history of dental caries in very young Australian children

“…In the longer term, ECC is the best predictor of future dental caries3. Internationally, the reported prevalence of ECC ranges from 12% to 70% depending on the population4, 5, and the disease process is initiated much earlier than school entry age, with 28% of US two‐ to five‐year‐olds having visually evident caries6. In Australia, approximately 50% of children enter primary school with largely untreated, frank carious cavitations7, suggesting that opportunities have been missed to arrest the disease, which is possible up to the point of surface breakdown or cavitation.…”

Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (Kap) Regarding Early Childhood Caries among Nurses Working in a Low Socio-Economic Area

“…Long-term use of sweetened medications has also been linked to caries development [25] and parents should be informed of sugarfree alternatives that are available.…”

Early childhood caries and dental treatment need in low socio-economic communities in Cape Town, South Africa

“…Caries can affect the feeding and overall wellbeing of the child. It can have impact on growth and cognitive development and on the child's ability to concentrate and function optimally at school (Kumarihamy et al 2011). The extent of this oral health problem is therefore of major significance as it undoubtedly affects the quality of life of many children, especially those who already live in suboptimal conditions .…”

“…Nocturnal feeding and extended periods of bottle-and breastfeeding are detrimental to oral health (Bowen & Lawrence 2005;Prakash et al 2012) Throughout the literature, prevalence rates for ECC have varied considerably between different countries and population groups. Developing countries like India and Sri Lanka have reported prevalence figures of 36.42% and 32.19%, respectively (Kumarihamy et al 2011;Tyagi 2009). It is important to note that ECC is predominantly a problem in the lower-income communities (Kopycka-Kedzierawski & Billings 2011;Kumarihamy et al 2011;Petersen 2005;Tyagi 2009).…”

“…Developing countries like India and Sri Lanka have reported prevalence figures of 36.42% and 32.19%, respectively (Kumarihamy et al 2011;Tyagi 2009). It is important to note that ECC is predominantly a problem in the lower-income communities (Kopycka-Kedzierawski & Billings 2011;Kumarihamy et al 2011;Petersen 2005;Tyagi 2009). Any health condition that affects large numbers of children and that needs scarce resources to treat is important, yet ECC has not received the attention commensurate with its impact on the community and health systems.…”