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Early childhood caries in northern Philippines
Author(s) -
Cariño Khristine Marie G.,
Shinada Kayoko,
Kawaguchi Yoko
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
community dentistry and oral epidemiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.061
H-Index - 101
eISSN - 1600-0528
pISSN - 0301-5661
DOI - 10.1034/j.1600-0528.2003.00010.x
Subject(s) - medicine , early childhood caries , public health , cross sectional study , pediatrics , environmental health , oral health , demography , dentistry , nursing , pathology , sociology
– Objectives: To determine prevalence and severity of early childhood caries (ECC) among children in northern Philippines. Further, to describe and determine the impact of child‐rearing practices and dental visits on caries status. Methods: Cross‐sectional survey of 993 children aged 2–6 years . Caries was diagnosed based on WHO recommendations. Additional behavioral information was obtained from 452 children aged 3–6 years. Results: Caries prevalence and mean dmft (±SD) by age were as follows: 2 years = 59% (4.2 ± 5.3); 3 years = 85% (7.4 ± 5.5); 4 years = 90% (8.8 ± 5.6); 5 years = 94% (9.8 ± 5.5); and 6 years = 92% (10.1 ± 5.5). Caries rates mirrored those of developing countries with untreated lesions dominating all ages. Mixed breast and bottle feeding was the norm. Almost half were weaned at more than 2 years old. Majority had toothbrushing practices, but mostly without parental assistance. Toothbrushing was initiated at an average age of 2 years. Only a small proportion had a dental visit, mostly for emergency reasons. Among 3–4‐year‐old children, a significant increase in caries levels were noted for those who started brushing at a later age, had frequent snacks, and had a dental visit for emergency reasons. For children aged 5–6 years, those who went for emergency visits also had significantly more caries. Results indicated an urgent need to (i) increase awareness that ECC is a public health problem in these areas, (ii) advocate use of fluoride as a public health measure, and (iii) increase access to preventive dental services for preschool children.