Prevalence and pattern of early childhood caries among 3-5 year olds in Kiambaa, Kenya.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the prevalence and pattern of early childhood caries among three to five year olds.


METHODS
This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study.


METHODS
A total of 336 children aged 3-5 years.


METHODS
Pre-schools in Kiambaa division, Kiambu District, Kenya.


RESULTS
Slightly over a half, 201 (59.5%) had dental caries. The mean decayed, missing and filled teeth (dmft) was 2.46 +/- 2:3.2 with the greatest component (95%) being decayed teeth. The mandibular deciduous molars and the maxillary incisors were the most frequently carious teeth.


CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of early childhood tumours in Kiambaa was 59.5%. The mandibular deciduous molars and maxillary incisors had the highest caries frequency.
Department of Paediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, School of Dental Sciences, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 19676-00200, Nairobi, Kenya.
N W
NW
Njoroge
A M
AM
Kemoli
L W
LW
Gatheche
D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004245:DMF Index; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007630:Kenya; D008297:Male; D020380:Needs Assessment; D015995:Prevalence; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors