The prevalence and severity of early childhood caries in preschool children in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to assess caries prevalence and severity in preschool children in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. In addition, the relationship between the frequency and clinical types of early childhood caries and behavioral factors, oral hygiene and eating habits were assessed.


METHODS
An oral health survey was performed in line with the World Health Organization methodology and criteria. The research consisted of clinical examinations of children to determine dentition status, oral hygiene and severity of caries distribution according to Wyne's classification. Information about behavioral factors was collected by means of a questionnaire administered to parents/guardians.


RESULTS
The sample consisted of a total of 165 preschool children aged 3-5 years. Mean dmft (decay, missing, filled teeth index for primary dentition) was 6.79. The percentage of caries-free children was 17.0%. The results showed a statistically significant correlation between oral hygiene and eating habits, and also the frequency and types of early childhood caries.


CONCLUSIONS
The present study demonstrates high caries prevalence in preschool children in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Community based preventive programs should be developed and urgently implemented, in order to achieve the WHO goals, improve oral and general health, thus improving the quality of life of these populations.
Department of Preventive and Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Sarajevo.
Lejla
L
Šačić
Department of Preventive and Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Sarajevo. ninamarkovic37@gmail.com.
Nina
N
Marković
Department of Preventive and Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Sarajevo.
Amra
A
Arslanagić Muratbegović
Department of Preventive and Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Sarajevo.
Amila
A
Zukanović
Department of Preventive and Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Sarajevo.
Sedin
S
Kobašlija
D017522:Bosnia and Herzegovina / Q000453:epidemiology; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003753:Dental Health Surveys; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009910:Oral Hygiene; D015995:Prevalence; D011788:Quality of Life; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
Behavioral factors; Early childhood caries; Epidemiology; Oral health