Factors Associated with Dental Caries in 6-30 Month-old Children at well Baby Clinic, Srinagarind Hospital, Khon Kaen University

Abstract

Background : Dental caries is an alarming problem  in mostly young children in Thailand. It can also lead to rampant decay, infection, pain, abscesses, chewing problems, malnutrition and low self-esteem.

Objective: To investigate factors associated with dental  caries in 6-30 month-old children who visited well baby clinic at  Srinagarind hospital, Khon Kaen University.

Design: Cross-sectional analytical study

Setting: Well baby clinic at  Srinagarind hospital, Khon Kaen University

Samples: A sample of 183  children aged  6 to 30 months  who visited well baby clinic at  Srinagarind  hospital, Khon Kaen University and their parents  during  July – December, 2003. 

Materials and Methods: Children and their parents  volunteered  to participate in this study. Children were examined for dental caries and plaque scores . Parents were interviewed  for socio-economic and the detail of their children  including  oral hygiene care, feeding behaviors and dietary habits.

Results: The prevalent rate of dental caries was 34%. From bivariable and  multi-variable logistic regression found that factors associated with  dental  caries  in this sample  were  eating snack, drinking beverage and dental plaque.  Children who ate snack  ³ 1 time per day, < 1 time per day  had dental caries higher than children who did not eat snack  by adjusted odds ratio = 7.4 (95%CI=1.8-29.4),  5.7(95%CI=1.5-22.5) respectively.  Children who  drunk beverage ³ 1 time per day had dental caries higher than children who did not drink beverage by adjusted odds ratio = 6.2 (95%CI=2.3-16.5).  Children with dental plaque  had dental caries higher than children without dental plaque by adjusted odds ratio = 3.8 (95%CI=1.5-9.5) .

Conclusion: Factors associated with dental caries   in this study were eating snack,  beverage and dental plaque.

Keywords : dental caries, children