Dental caries prevalence and distribution among preschoolers in Singapore.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the prevalence, severity and distribution of dental caries among preschoolers in Singapore.


METHODS
population-based, cross-sectional study.


METHODS
13 randomly selected People's Action Party Community Foundation (PCF) Education Centers, the main provider of preschool education in Singapore.


METHODS
1782 children aged 3-6 years.


METHODS
The caries status was evaluated by using WHO examination procedures and diagnostic criteria.


RESULTS
About 40% children (26%, 37%, and 49% for 3-4, 4-5, and 5-6 year-olds, respectively) were affected by caries. The mean (SD) deft and defs were 1.54 (2.75) and 3.30 (7.49), respectively. About 90% of the affected teeth were decayed teeth. A significantly skewed distribution of caries lesions was revealed, indicating that 16% children with high caries activity (deft > or =4) were carrying 78% lesions. Rampant caries, defined as caries affecting the smooth surfaces of two or more maxillary incisors, was found in 16.5% of children. About 61% of affected surfaces were smooth surfaces. Malays and boys tended to have more rampant caries. Higher caries severity and treatment need were found among Malays and children in the low socio-economic group.


CONCLUSIONS
Caries is a severe oral health problem for Singaporean preschoolers, especially in the Malay community and among children with low economic status.
Gao
X L
XL
Department of Preventive Dentistry Faculty of Dentistry, National University of Singapore.
Hsu
C Y S
CY
Loh
T
T
Koh
D
D
Hwamg
H B
HB
Xu
Y
Y
D017677:Age Distribution; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000208:ethnology; D003753:Dental Health Surveys; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012737:Sex Factors; D012846:Singapore / Q000453:epidemiology; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors