| 2061 Caries Prevalence in 2- and 3-year-olds and Associated Factors | ||
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M. BANKEL, Public Dental Service , Majorna, Göteborg, Sweden, A. ROBERTSON, Faculty of Odontology/Department of Pedodontics, Göteborg, Sweden, and B. KÖHLER, Odontologen/Undergraduate Clinic, Göteborg, Sweden Objectives: The aim was to describe caries prevalence among 2- and 3-year-olds in a district of Göteborg and factors associated with early caries development. Methods: All 2- and 3-year-olds living in the area were invited to participate (n=271). The study was approved by the Ethical Committee at Göteborg university. Two hundred and twenty-one children were available to participate. The children were examined for incipient and manifest caries and visible plaque. Salivary level of mutans streptococci (MS) was estimated by use of Dentocult SM Strip Mutans® (Orion Diagnostica, Helsinki). The parents were inquired about tooth-brushing habits, family circumstances, immigrant background and dietary habits e.g. frequency of sucrose intake, breast-feeding at night and type of sucrose containing beverages and snacks. For statistical analyses Chi-square test and Fischer's exact test were used and significance level set at 5%. Results: Incipient and manifest caries was diagnosed in 7.2 % of the 2-year-olds and in 17.7 % of the 3-year-olds. 15.5 % of the 2-year-olds and 22.6 % of the 3-year-olds were colonized by mutans streptococci. Statistically significant association to caries was found for the following factors; (i) the presence of MS in saliva, (ii) visible plaque, (iii) immigrant background, (iv) mothersx education, (v) mothers state of employment, (vi) breast-feeding at night and (vii) frequent use of sugar-containing food and beverages estimated on a weekly basis. No association was found regarding fathersx education and state of employment and the caries prevalence of their children. Conclusion: The results support the evidence of an association between early childhood caries and bacterial, dietary and familial factors and suggest that an extended patient history at an early age can provide an indication for caries preventive intervention. The study was supported by grants from Västra Götaland County Council.
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| Seq #214 - Caries Prediction, Clinical Trials, Diagnosis 3:45 PM-5:00 PM, Friday, 27 June 2003 Svenska Massan Exhibition Hall B | ||
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