Evaluation of certain risk factors for Early Childhood Caries in Samsun, Turkey

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ABSTRACT

Aim

Early childhood caries (ECC) is a relatively new term used to describe any stage of caries lesion in any
primary tooth surface in a child under 6 years of age. The purpose of this study was to identify certain factors that influence
the development of ECC among children in Samsun, Turkey.

Methods

Data were collected for 226
children (108 girls, 118 boys) aged 3-6 years. Questionnaires were administered to the mothers of participating children to
obtain information on infant feeding habits and the mother's level of education and oral health knowledge. Clinical
diagnoses of ECC were based on intraoral examinations conducted using a flashlight, disposable mirror and wooden
tongue depressor.

Results

ECC was diagnosed in 46.9 of children. The mean dmf-t was 2.87. Significant
associations were found between ECC prevalence and bottle feeding while sleeping and between ECC and the mother's level
of education (p<0.05). The caries rate increased with the addition of sugar-containing substances to bottles; however, the increase was not statistically significant (p>0.05). There were no correlations observed between ECC and the mother's oral
health knowledge or attitude (p>0.05).

Conclusion

Within the limitation of this study, among the various factors
investigated, infant feeding habits and the mother's level of education were found to have significant effects on the
development of ECC.

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