title: Exploring the multitude of risk factors associated with early childhood caries.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Despite efforts in restorative therapy, children who experience Early Childhood Caries (ECC) continue to be at a higher risk for new lesions in both the primary and the permanent dentition. Early interventions which disrupt the pathobiology of caries need identification of all the causative or risk factors.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study dealt with the prevalence and associated risk factors of ECC among preschool children aged 3 to 5 years in Bengaluru city.
  
  
  METHODS
  Information regarding risk factors was obtained through a structured questionnaire among a random sample of 1152 children. Clinical examination was performed by a trained dental professional using the modified WHO oral health survey format.
  
  
  METHODS
  Chi-square, one-way ANOVA, correlation, multiple linear regression analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The prevalence of ECC among preschool children was 24.39% (P < 0.05), whereas the mean deft was 5.80 ± 8.90. The prevalence of ECC among males and females was 24.92% and 23.81%, respectively. 4.27% of children with ECC showed a history of prolonged breastfeeding beyond 2.5 years (P < 0.05). 50.18% of children had a history of using medications during bedtime/night. History of low birth weight was reported among 23.84% of ECC children. Only 13.52% of mothers claimed of getting a prenatal oral health care/counseling (P < 0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The prevalence of ECC was seen in almost a quarter of the population with a high deft. A significant relation was associated only with the feeding duration and lack of prenatal oral health counseling provided to parents.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, K.L.E Society's Institute of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: Madhu
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kakanur
authors.affiliation: Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, Sri Rajiv Gandhi College of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: Mihir
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nayak
authors.affiliation: Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, K.L.E Society's Institute of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: Sandyadevi S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Patil
authors.affiliation: Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, K.L.E Society's Institute of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: Rachna
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Thakur
authors.affiliation: Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, Sri Rajiv Gandhi College of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: Santhosh T
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: Paul
authors.affiliation: Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, K.L.E Society's Institute of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: Nisha
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Tewathia
mesh_terms: D001942:Breast Feeding; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D003753:Dental Health Surveys; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight; D008297:Male; D011295:Prenatal Care; D055553:Prescription Drugs / Q000009:adverse effects; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D055553:Prescription Drugs