Early childhood caries in northern Philippines.
OBJECTIVE
To determine prevalence and severity of early childhood caries (ECC) among children in northern Philippines. Further, to describe and determine the impact of child-rearing practices and dental visits on caries status.


METHODS
Cross-sectional survey of 993 children aged 2-6 years. Caries was diagnosed based on WHO recommendations. Additional behavioral information was obtained from 452 children aged 3-6 years.


RESULTS
Caries prevalence and mean dmft (+/-SD) by age were as follows: 2 years = 59% (4.2 +/- 5.3); 3 years = 85% (7.4 +/- 5.5); 4 years = 90% (8.8 +/- 5.6); 5 years = 94% (9.8 +/- 5.5); and 6 years = 92% (10.1 +/- 5.5). Caries rates mirrored those of developing countries with untreated lesions dominating all ages. Mixed breast and bottle feeding was the norm. Almost half were weaned at more than 2 years old. Majority had toothbrushing practices, but mostly without parental assistance. Toothbrushing was initiated at an average age of 2 years. Only a small proportion had a dental visit, mostly for emergency reasons. Among 3-4-year-old children, a significant increase in caries levels were noted for those who started brushing at a later age, had frequent snacks, and had a dental visit for emergency reasons. For children aged 5-6 years, those who went for emergency visits also had significantly more caries. Results indicated an urgent need to (i) increase awareness that ECC is a public health problem in these areas, (ii) advocate use of fluoride as a public health measure, and (iii) increase access to preventive dental services for preschool children.
Cariño
Khristine Marie G
KM
Department of Oral Health Promotion, Graduate School, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan. kmgcarino@yahoo.com
Shinada
Kayoko
K
Kawaguchi
Yoko
Y
D000367:Age Factors; D001903:Bottle Feeding / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D001942:Breast Feeding; D002648:Child; D002668:Child Rearing; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004245:DMF Index; D003729:Dental Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003906:Developing Countries / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004638:Emergency Treatment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D020380:Needs Assessment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010679:Philippines / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D014094:Tooth, Deciduous / Q000473:pathology; D014099:Toothbrushing / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014886:Weaning