Association of Early Childhood Caries and Multiple Variable Factors in 3–6-year-old Children

INTRODUCTION: Dental caries is a globally prevailing condition. It is a common finding in all age-groups, whether it is young children or adults. Caries not only affects the oral health of an individual, but also the overall health of the individual. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This article focuses on the association of ECC with BMI, SES status, maternal education, birth order, and number of siblings in age group of 3 to 6 year old children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was planned and conducted in the Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, Government College of Dentistry, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India. The study consisted of 200 samples, including both groups. Group I included 100 patients with ECC and group II included 100 patients caries free. Children of age 3–6 years were randomly selected and evaluated for ECC and parameters like weight, height, number of siblings, birth order, SES status, and mothers’ education. RESULTS: Body mass index (BMI) had no significant association with the occurrence of ECC. Statistical significant association was observed between the number of siblings and ECC. The “no caries” was significantly associated with “no sibling” or “one sibling”. A significant association between SES status and ECC was observed. The upper and upper middle class had more number of caries free children, whereas the number of participants with ECC was significantly more in the upper lower class. There was a pronounced association between ECC and maternal education. CONCLUSION: Researches like these help us to broaden our aspects of understanding that caries is not caused by only one factor but a magnitude of factors. It's prevention should take into consideration not only the dietary habits but also on increasing awareness about importance of oral hygiene and how it can be affected by other social varients. This article focuses on the association of ECC with BMI, SES status, maternal education, birth order, and number of siblings in 3–6-year-old children. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Sahu P, Agrawal A, Jain D, et al. Association of Early Childhood Caries and Multiple Variable Factors in 3–6-year-old Children. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(1):42-47.