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Identifying Risk Factors Associated with Early Childhood Caries in Children Under Three Years of Age

Wohlford, Christine A.
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1274823503

Abstract Details

2010, Master of Science, Ohio State University, Dentistry.
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the association between risk factors and caries prevalence in children 3 and under, as well as to assess the effectiveness of anticipatory guidance. Methods: This IRB-approved retrospective chart review evaluated 757 dental records of children 0-3 years of age who visited the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Baby Clinic. All parents received standardized anticipatory guidance. Results: The mean age was 22.2 months (sd 7.2). Within the cohort, 49% were African-American, 31% Caucasian and 14% Hispanic. Public insurance was reported by 87% of parents. White spots were present in 30% of children. Cavitated lesions were present in 28% of children, with 36% of those having 6 or more carious teeth. Contents of sippy cups included 90% juice, 78% milk, 22% koolaid, 16% pop, and 4% tea and sports drink. Bottle contents included 78% milk and 38% juice. A statistically significant difference was found between caries free and caries active children for nighttime feeding (p=.0008), parental education (p=.002), use of fluoride toothpaste (p=.009), frequency of sugar snacking (p=.002), and cooperation for tooth brushing (p=.018). There was no difference in brushing frequency, bottle/sippy cup use (cariogenic content), parental caries or having a family dentist. In a group analysis, child age and cooperation for tooth brushing were the most important factors predicting caries (p<.0001), followed by bedtime feeding (p=.0003) and caregiver education level (p=.021). In a subset of patients with a recall visit (N=288), some home behaviors improved, including parental brushing, cooperation for brushing, use of fluoride toothpaste, bottle use and nighttime feeding (p<.0001), drinking tap water (p=.026), and sippy cup use (p=.004). There was no evidence of diet modification. Conclusion: Early childhood caries is a significant problem for low-income children. Early establishment of a dental home can provide early access to education, intervention, and the ultimate goal, prevention.
Homa Amini (Advisor)
Robert Rashid (Committee Member)
Ashok Kumar (Committee Member)
Paul Casamassimo (Committee Member)
Dental Care
early childhood caries; caries risk factors; anticipatory guidance;

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Wohlford, C. A. (2010). Identifying Risk Factors Associated with Early Childhood Caries in Children Under Three Years of Age [Master's thesis, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1274823503

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Wohlford, Christine. Identifying Risk Factors Associated with Early Childhood Caries in Children Under Three Years of Age. 2010. Ohio State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1274823503.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Wohlford, Christine. "Identifying Risk Factors Associated with Early Childhood Caries in Children Under Three Years of Age." Master's thesis, Ohio State University, 2010. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1274823503

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

osu1274823503
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This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.