Prevalence of Abscesses Associated with Carious Primary Teeth in Preschool Children and its Association with Age, Gender, Location, and Parent's Education and Social Class: An Observational Study

AIM: The aim of the study is to find out the prevalence of periapical abscesses within carious primary teeth. Tooth abscesses in preschool children are a source of extra attention and worry for parents. Untreated carious primary teeth have a high chance of developing into a periapical abscess. STUDY DESIGN: The study design adopted was an analytical observational study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Children (n = 300) of which 56.7% males, and 43.3% females were evaluated for prevalence of abscesses associated with carious primary teeth. Teeth were examined by the WHO criteria of caries detection(1) and abscesses associated with carious teeth were observed based on clinical signs and symptoms. Statistical analysis of data was done by Z-test with the help of SPSS 16 version. RESULTS: Prevalence of abscesses in anterior and posterior carious primary teeth was highest at the age of 3–5 years, respectively. No significant difference was observed between the prevalence of abscesses and genders. A significant difference (Z = 2.15, p < 0.05), (Z = 4.17, p < 0.001) was observed in prevalence of abscesses of anterior and posterior carious primary teeth among urban and rural populations respectively. If parents are graduates, the development of tooth abscesses in carious primary anterior and posterior teeth was significantly reduced. The social class of parents also significantly affects the development of tooth abscesses in carious primary anterior and posterior teeth. CONCLUSION: In the study, 30% abscess prevalence within carious primary teeth of preschool children was observed. Carious primary posterior teeth are two times more prone to develop abscesses as compared to carious primary anterior teeth. Social class and the education status of parents also affect the prevalence of abscesses. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Data on abscesses prevalence in primary teeth helps Government to plan preventive, interceptive, restorative, and preventive educational programs at the school level. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Srivastava VK. Prevalence of Abscesses Associated with Carious Primary Teeth in Preschool Children and its Association with Age, Gender, Location, and Parent's Education and Social Class: An Observational Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2022;15(3):287-292.