Factors Influencing Early Childhood Caries of Cleft Lip and/or Palate Children Aged 18 to 36 Months in Southern Thailand

Objective: To clarify whether oral health care behavior or oral cleft status influences early childhood caries in southern Thailand cleft children. Design: A comparative cross-sectional study. Patients, Participants: A total of 138 southern Thai children aged 18 to 36 months comprised two groups of 69 participants, one with cleft lip and/or palate and controls with no cleft. Methods: All children were examined for early childhood caries by using the severity (DMFT/tooth) index. A structured interview was conducted among caregivers, and then multiple regression analysis was applied. Results: Children with oral clefts had a larger number of early childhood caries (ECC) and poorer feeding habits than those without. From a structured questionnaire, the caregivers of children with clefts exercised poorer oral health behavior than those of the controls, but the cleft status was not an important factor for caries prevalence when oral health behaviors were controlled. Multivariate analysis showed that sweetened bottled milk consumption, night-time feeding habit, and frequent sugary food consumption were the variables significantly associated with dental caries. Conclusions: Children with oral clefts in southern Thailand had greater caries experience when compared with noncleft subjects. However, cleft status was not significant for ECC, and night-time feeding habit was the most important factor for higher ECC in children with clefts.

Download Full-text

Randomized Trial of Motivational Interviewing to Prevent Early Childhood Caries in American Indian Children

JDR Clinical & Translational Research ◽

10.1177/2380084418787785 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 3 (4) ◽

pp. 366-375 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

T.S. Batliner ◽

T. Tiwari ◽

W.G. Henderson ◽

A.R. Wilson ◽

S.E. Gregorich ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Early Childhood ◽

Oral Health ◽

High Risk ◽

Motivational Interviewing ◽

American Indian ◽

Early Childhood Caries ◽

Caries Experience ◽

Indian Children ◽

Percentage Points ◽

Childhood Caries

Introduction: In a randomized controlled trial, the effectiveness of motivational interviewing (MI) combined with enhanced community services (MI + ECS) was compared with ECS alone for reducing dental caries in American Indian children on the Pine Ridge Reservation. The intervention was developed and delivered with extensive tribal collaboration. Methods: A total 579 mother-newborn dyads were enrolled and randomized to the MI + ECS and ECS groups. They were followed for 36 mo. Four MI sessions were provided, the first shortly after childbirth and then 6, 12, and 18 mo later. Both groups were exposed to ECS, which included public service announcements through billboards and tribal radio, as well as broad distribution of brochures on behavioral risk factors for early childhood caries (ECC), toothbrushes, and toothpaste. MI impact was measured as decayed, missing, and filled tooth surfaces (dmfs). Secondary outcomes included decayed surfaces, caries prevalence, and maternal oral health knowledge and behaviors. Modified intention-to-treat analyses were conducted. Eighty-eight percent of mothers completed at least 3 of 4 MI sessions offered. Results: After 3 y, dmfs was not significantly different for the 2 groups (MI + ECS = 10, ECS = 10.38, P = 0.68). In both groups, prevalence of caries experience was 7% to 9% after 1 y, 35% to 36% at 2 y, and 55% to 56% at 3 y. Mean knowledge scores increased by 5.0, 5.3, and 5.9 percentage points at years 1, 2, and 3 in the MI + ECS group and by 1.9, 3.3, and 5.0 percentage points in the ECS group (P = 0.03), respectively. Mean maternal oral health behavior scores were not statistically significantly different between the treatment arms. Conclusion: In summary, the MI intervention appeared to improve maternal knowledge but had no effect on oral health behaviors or on the progression of ECC (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01116726). Knowledge Transfer Statement: The findings of this study suggest that motivational interviewing focusing on parental behaviors may not be as effective as previously hoped for slowing the development of childhood caries in some high-risk groups. Furthermore, social factors may be even more salient determinants of oral health than what we previously supposed, perhaps interfering with the capacity to benefit from behavioral strategies that have been useful elsewhere. The improvement of children’s oral health in high-risk populations characterized by poverty and multiple related life stresses may require more holistic approaches that address these formidable barriers.

Download Full-text

Assessment of potential risk factors associated with early childhood caries in a subpopulation of children from Thrace region of Turkey

Folia Medica ◽

10.3897/folmed.63.e57845 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 63 (4) ◽

pp. 546-556

Author(s):

Sirin Guner Onur ◽

Betul Kargul

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Early Childhood ◽

Early Childhood Caries ◽

Family Income ◽

Bottle Feeding ◽

Health Concern ◽

Caries Experience ◽

Night Time ◽

Potential Risk Factors ◽

Childhood Caries

Introduction: Early childhood caries (ECC) is considered a global health concern due to its high prevalence and effect on the overall health of children. Aim: The present study aimed to investigate prevalence of ECC and associated risk factors in a Turkish subpopulation of children. Materials and methods: Five hundred forty-two (299 boys, 243 girls) children were enrolled in this study. Caries experience on primary teeth was measured using decayed or filled teeth (dft) index and the presence of caries was diagnosed if dft >0. A structured questionnaire was employed to mothers through interview. Results: ECC was significantly associated with increased age (OR=1.032; 95% CI, 1.018–1.047; p<0.001), low level of family income (OR=2.91; 95% CI, 1.567–5.404; p=0.001), low educational level of mother (OR=2.602; 95% CI, 1.509–4.485), night-time frequent breastfeeding (OR=1.695; CI, 1.07–2.685; p=0.024) and bottle feeding with sugary beverages (OR=1.689; CI, 1.002–2.847; p=0.049). First dental visit age (OR=1.482; 95% CI, 1.254–1.753; p<0.001) and initial age of tooth brushing (OR=2.062; 95% CI, 1.324–3.209; p=0.001) were found to be protective against ECC development. Conclusions: The current study highlights potential factors that are commonly associated with the risk of developing ECC. From the perspective of public health, a better understanding of socioeconomic, environmental, maternal and behavioural risks factors for ECC will aid improving maternal and child-based health promotion and preventive programmes.

Download Full-text

Timing of sugar introduction in diet and early childhood caries: a population-based study in preschoolers

Revista de Odontologia da UNESP ◽

10.1590/1807-2577.00721 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 50 ◽

Author(s):

Guilherme Nilson ALVES DOS SANTOS ◽

Cacilda Castelo Branco LIMA ◽

Ananda Souza PEREIRA ◽

Marina de Deus Moura LIMA ◽

Lúcia de Fátima Almeida de Deus MOURA ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Early Childhood ◽

Oral Health ◽

Dental Caries ◽

Low Income ◽

Early Childhood Caries ◽

Maternal Education ◽

Population Based ◽

Caries Experience ◽

Population Based Study ◽

Childhood Caries

Abstract Introduction Sugar ingestion is the most important isolated factor related to dental caries. Contact with sugary foods at an early age may represent a risk to the oral health of preschool children. Objective To evaluate the timing of the introduction of sugar in the diet of preschoolers and its association with early childhood caries. Material and method Cross-sectional population-based study with 888 five-year-old preschoolers from public and private schools. Parents answered a questionnaire on sociodemographic data, eating habits and oral health. The variables timing of sugar introduction (>1 year and ≤1 year) and dental caries experience were dichotomized and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Poisson regression (p<0.05). Result The introduction of sugar in the diet occurred during the first twelve months of life for 73.8% of preschoolers. There was no association between the timing of sugar introduction and early childhood caries (p>0.05). The interruption of exclusive breastfeeding and low family income increased the prevalence of preschoolers having early contact with sugar by 32% and 23%, respectively (p<0.05). The prevalence of early childhood caries was 42.3% and was associated with a lower level of maternal education, low income, increased frequency of ingestion of candy and the use of nonfluoridated toothpaste (p<0.05). Conclusion The introduction of sugar in the diet occurred during the first year of life in most preschoolers and there was no association with early childhood caries.

Download Full-text

Oral Health Status of 3- to 5 -Year-old Children Attending Early Childhood Care and Development Centers in Bhutan: A Pilot Study

Bhutan Health Journal ◽

10.47811/bhj.105 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 6 (2) ◽

pp. 19-26

Author(s):

Dorji Phurpa ◽

Sonam Ngedup ◽

Deki Pem ◽

Mary Alice Lee

Keyword(s):

Early Childhood ◽

Oral Health ◽

Dental Care ◽

Early Childhood Caries ◽

Oral Health Status ◽

Caries Experience ◽

Modifiable Risk Factors ◽

Early Childhood Care ◽

Childhood Care ◽

Childhood Caries

Introduction: Early Childhood Caries (ECC) is a common childhood dental disease worldwide. To date, dental disease prevalence in children in Bhutan is unknown. Objectives: This study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of early childhood caries and its modifiable risk factors. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey in 3-5-years old children attending Early Childhood Care and Development Centers in Bhutan. Mouth examination recorded teeth with decay (d), missing due to decay (m) and filled (f), to calculate caries experience (mean dmft and standard deviation=SD). Parents and caregivers were interviewed about their children’s oral health status, oral hygiene practices and diets among others. The prevalence of modifiable risk factors for disease was described based on parental responses. The association between decay and selected sociodemographic characteristics and oral health variables were investigated with bivariate analyses (X2). Results: Overall, 80.5% children had caries experience with mean dmft + or - SD (4.9 + 4.2). In fact, 79.9% had untreated decay. Only few had fillings as an evidence for availing dental care with mean filled 0.2 (SD=0.7). The percentage of decay increased significantly as maternal education increased and with low socioeconomic status (p=0.02). Conclusions: Early Childhood Caries are highly prevalent in Bhutan. Very few young children sought dental care. We recommend engaging relevant stakeholders in efforts to promote dental care and educate parents to use fluoridated toothpastes.

Download Full-text

Promotion of Oral Health Care in Infants - A Preventive Strategy to Reduce the Burden of Early Childhood Caries

Acta Scientific Dental Scienecs ◽

10.31080/asds.2020.04.0828 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (5) ◽

pp. 18-22

Author(s):

Subhathira Rajasekaran ◽

Sham S Bhat ◽

Vidya Bhat ◽

Sundeep Hegde K ◽

Neha Thilak ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Health Care ◽

Early Childhood ◽

Oral Health ◽

Early Childhood Caries ◽

Oral Health Care ◽

Preventive Strategy ◽

Childhood Caries

Download Full-text

Effect of Sustained Interventions from Infancy to Toddlerhood in Children with Cleft Lip and Palate for Preventing Early Childhood Caries

Caries Research ◽

10.1159/000517210 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-9

Author(s):

Sivasubramanian Abirami ◽

Noopur Panchanadikar ◽

Murugan Satta Muthu ◽

Suganya Balasubramanian ◽

Jyotsna Murthy ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Early Childhood ◽

Early Childhood Caries ◽

Cleft Lip ◽

Cleft Lip And Palate ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Primary Caregivers ◽

Assessment System ◽

Incidence Density ◽

Tooth Surfaces ◽

Childhood Caries

The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of sustained interventions in children with cleft lip and palate (CLP) for preventing early childhood caries (ECC). This prospective, nonrandomized interventional cohort study was conducted in infants aged 0–12 months with congenital CLP. Interventions were given to parents/primary caregivers in the form of combined oral health-care measures (sterile wet gauze piece, finger brush, toothbrush, and toothpaste) by a motivational interviewing approach. Education of primary caregivers on oral hygiene was provided by audiovisual aids and demonstration. Reinforcement of the prescribed regimen was done through daily short message services in caregivers’ preferred language and bimonthly telephone calls. Participants were followed up for 9–32 months from the time of recruitment, with a mean period of 18.3 ± 5.1 months. Rates of dental caries were represented as prevalence rates, incidence density, and transitional probability. The distribution of the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) scores on different tooth surfaces affected in the intervention group was compared descriptively with that of the age- and sex-matched historical control groups. On analysis of surface-wise distribution of the ICDAS scores in the intervention group (n = 1,919), 1.2% (n = 24) had noncavitated lesions (ICDAS codes 1 and 2), 0.88% (n = 17) had cavitated lesions (ICDAS codes 3–6), and 0.26% (n = 5) had both cavitated and noncavitated lesions (ICDAS codes 1–6). The incidence density of caries-affected children observed at the first and last follow-ups was 1.2 persons/100 person-months and 1.3 persons/100 person-months of observation, respectively. The incidence density of new caries-affected tooth surfaces at the first and last follow-ups was 0.163 surfaces/100 surface-months and 0.062 surfaces/100 surface-months, respectively. Maxillary first molars had the maximum transition from sound to the cavitated lesion (11.5%), followed by maxillary incisors from sound to noncavitated (7.5%) at the last follow-up. Based on the newly developed assessment criteria in our study, sustained interventions proved to be significantly effective in preventing ECC in children with CLP.

Download Full-text

Sugary Liquids in the Baby Bottle: Risk for Child Undernutrition and Severe Tooth Decay in Rural El Salvador

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18010260 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 18 (1) ◽

pp. 260

Author(s):

Priyanka Achalu ◽

Abhishek Bhatia ◽

Bathsheba Turton ◽

Lucy Luna ◽

Karen Sokal-Gutierrez

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Early Childhood ◽

Risk Factor ◽

Oral Health ◽

Early Childhood Caries ◽

Health Interventions ◽

Tooth Decay ◽

Child Undernutrition ◽

Baby Bottle ◽

Childhood Caries

As communities worldwide shift from consuming traditional diets to more processed snacks and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), increases in child obesity and tooth decay and persistence of undernutrition are particularly apparent in Latin American countries. Further evidence of shared risk factors between child undernutrition and poor oral health outcomes is needed to structure more effective health interventions for children’s nutrition. This study aims to identify dietary, oral health, and sociodemographic risk factors for child undernutrition and severe early childhood caries (sECC) among a convenience sample of 797 caregiver–child pairs from rural Salvadoran communities. Caregiver interviews on child dietary and oral health practices were conducted, and their children’s height, weight, and dental exam data were collected. Multivariable regression analyses were performed using RStudio (version 1.0.143). Caregiver use of SSBs in the baby bottle was identified as a common significant risk factor for child undernutrition (p = 0.011) and sECC (p = 0.047). Early childhood caries (p = 0.023) was also a risk factor for developing undernutrition. Future maternal–child health and nutrition programs should coordinate with oral health interventions to discourage feeding children SSBs in the baby bottle and to advocate for policies limiting SSB marketing to young children and their families.

Download Full-text