Prevalence of Early Childhood Caries in Thiruvallur District: A Cross Sectional Hospital Based Study

Abstract

Oral health is an essential and important component that is involved in the total health and well-being of an individual. It affects various aspects of a person's health status such as the quality of life including self-esteem, ability to masticate, speak and various other levels of routine activities. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of early childhood caries in a particular district since the obtained results can serve as a guide in assessing the current practice as well as planning of additional education about early childhood caries. This prospective study was done among children in Saveetha dental college from June 2019 to December 2019.  A total sample size of 181 patients were included as part of the study which consisted of both male and female participants. The inclusion criteria for the study was that the child should be within the age group of 3-6 years of age, and should be from Thiruvallur district . A total of 181 children were studied as part of the present study of 3-6 years of age out of which 92 (50.8%) candidates were males and 89 (49.2%) candidates were females. In the age groups of 3-4 years, 4-5 years and 5-6 years the number of candidates that were examined were 70 ( 38.6%), 54 ( 29.8%) and 57 (31.4%) respectively. As a conclusive aspect it is important to take care of oral health and appropriate policies are to be adopted and incorporated for the betterment of the society.