Prevalence study of early childhood caries in preschool children of Lattakia city

Dental caries is considered as one of the most common chronic diseases. The study of prevalence and severity of dental caries conducted in a specific geographic area contributes in constructing necessary plans for treatment and prevention. Aims of this study are to determine the prevalence and severity of early-childhood caries and to define risk factors associated with ECC among Lattakia/ Syrian preschool children. The sample comprised 909 children were divided into three age groups 3-4-5 years. A questionnaire was distributed and contained information on oral feeding habits, socio-economic status and educational Status of the mother. The results, and data analysis showed that the prevalence of ECC for pre-school children was 84.8%, the mean dmft and dmfs score in the group was in 3 years ( 4.09 (5.22=+6.22 & 2.85+=respectively. In 4 years3.43+=4.12) &7.29 += 8.25 ) .In 5 years (4.93 +=4.42 & (11.962+=10.157. The value of the significant caries index SIC was 9.02. We obtained on 492 questionnaire which was observed a significant relationship between ECC and age of children , socio-economic status of the family, the educational status of the mother, feeding habits ( quantity of sweet consumption per day- time of sweet consumed between meals, using baby bottle ). However, breastfeeding and gender didn't have significant effect

A study of relationship between some salivary factors and dental caries of preschool children in Lattakia city

Objective: This study aims to determine the prevalence and severity of ECC in 3 to 5 -year children in Lattakia and the correlation of saliva pH, buffer capacity and salivary flow rate with the dental caries. Materials and methods: An epidemiological study of N = 400 children was conducted to determine the prevalence of ECC in Lattakia’s kindergartens and the association between child's gender, age and caries.The salivary tests for N = 40 children, the mean number of teeth, carious surfaces, restored and lost due to caries were measured. Results: The results indicated a high prevalence of Ecc among children (69.8%) We did not find significant differences in dmft, dmfs between children according to gender or age. The adjusted ability of saliva was high for 65% and medium for 35%. On the other hand, it was found that there is an inverse correlation between saliva pH and the studied indicators.