Prevalence and risk indicators of early childhood caries among toddlers in Caloocan City, Philippines: a cross-sectional study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Limited published data exist on early childhood caries (ECC) among children 2 years old and below. The study aimed to determine ECC prevalence and its association with socio-demographic indicators, feeding practices and oral health behaviours among children aged 2 years and below in the Philippines.

Methods

A cross-sectional study observed young children aged 4-24 months in primary health centers. Each child's caregiver was interviewed and dental examinations were done on every child by one calibrated dentist using the ICDAS. Poisson regression using robust variance estimator analysis identified significant variables associated with ECC.

Results

Seven hundred three healthy children were observed at a mean age of 13.3 ± 2.4 months. ECC prevalence was 29.2% (

SUBMITTER: Oliveros-Villarico M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11141054 | biostudies-literature | 2024 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature