ASSESSMENT OF EARLY CHILDHOOD CARIES (ECC) AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH FEEDING PRACTICES AND SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS AMONG PRESCHOOL CHILDREN

Abstract

Background: Early childhood caries (ECC) involves a range of factors, such as diet, feeding, and socioeconomic influences, all of which have a role to play in the formation of ECC. Recognizing these factors is helpful when planning appropriate preventative measures. Objective: To determine the prevalence of ECC and its association to feeding practices and socioeconomic status in preschool age children. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional design was used on 125 children in preschool, aged 3 to 5 years. A sample was selected using systematic random sampling of preschools. Feeding practices were documented via the Feeding Practices Questionnaire, which was administered to the caregivers. Responses pertaining to the caregiver’s feeding practice (breastfeeding, bottle feeding, nighttime feeding, feeding with sugary foods and drinks, and feeding just before sleep), as well as the caregiver’s socioeconomic status, were documented using the Modified Kuppuswamy Socioeconomic Status Scale. Oral examinations were conducted using a mouth mirror and dental probes under good lighting, and the dental caries status was recorded, using WHO criteria, by the DMFT index. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS; a chi-square test was used to examine the associations between the variables. A p-value < 0.05 was significant. Results: Out of 125 children, ECC was observed in 58 (46.4%) cases. It was more prevalent in children who had multiple nighttime feedings (61.8%), prolonged bottle feedings (58.6%), and frequent intake of sweetened snacks and drinks (60.9%). It was more prevalent in children from lower socioeconomic groups (60.0%), compared to children from upper (28.6%) and middle socioeconomic groups (46.0%). ECC was associated with frequent sweetened food or drink consumption, nighttime feedings, prolonged bottle feedings, and socioeconomic status (p < 0.05). Conclusion: ECC was present in almost 46.4% of preschool children screened. Nighttime feeds, frequent prolonged bottle feeding, and frequent intake of sweetened foods were observed to have a significant association with ECC. It is warranted that preventative counseling of parents be done in the first year of a child’s life, with an emphasis on the reduction of frequent exposure of sweetened foods, consumption of appropriate foods, and implementation of good oral health practices, within the early preschool years.