Prevalence and factors associated with early childhood caries among children aged 4-5 year old in rural communities in Edo state , Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Early childhood caries and complications of untreated early childhood caries is of dental public health interest.

Objective: To determine the prevalence and factors associated with early childhood caries among 4 –5-year-old children attending private schools in rural communities in Esan central Local Government Area in Edo State, Nigeria.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among private schools in Esan central Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria. Socio-demographic data was obtained using questionnaire. Oral examination for the presence of early childhood caries was conducted using the dmft index. Tests of association between dependent variable and independent variables were conducted using Chi square/Fisher exact test. Risk indicator for early childhood caries was determined using multivariate logistic regression analysis and a model of p<0.2. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS Version 28. p<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:  A total of 206 school children participated in the study and 102 (49.5%) were males. The age range of the school children was 4 to 5 years   with a mean age of 4.49± 0.50.  The prevalence of early childhood caries was 7.8% with mean dmft of 0.10± 0.38. Early childhood caries occurrence was higher among 5-year-old, females, mandibular teeth and lower right second primary molar. Frequency of tooth-brushing was significantly associated with early childhood caries. Frequency of tooth-brushing was a risk indicator for early childhood caries.

Conclusion: The prevalence of early childhood caries was low. Frequency of tooth-brushing was significantly associated with early childhood caries. Interventions for untreated carious teeth are recommended.

J. Contemp. Dent. Sci. 2026;14(2): 5-8