Caries Incidence in Initially Caries Free Preschool Children

Objectives : To assess the incidence of Early Childhood Caries (ECC) in 1-5 year old initially caries free children attending selected urban childcare centers.  Methods: Children enrolled in the study were randomized into two groups: Group I received a visual/tactile examination and Group II received a teledentistry examination.  Baseline, six month and twelve month follow-up examinations were conducted.   Results: Two hundred eighty six children were enrolled in the study; 208 (approximately 73%) of the children were caries free at baseline. Of the 208 children who were caries free at the initial exam, 170 children were examined at 6 months. One hundred thirty three children remained caries free and 37 initially caries free children became caries active at the 6 six month follow-up exam. Ninety children were examined at 12 months. Sixty four children remained caries free and 26 initially caries free children became caries active at the 12 month follow-up exam.  The mean dfs score for the 170 children at the 6 month follow-exam was 1.68 (SD=4.30).  The mean dfs score for the 90 children at the 12 month follow-up exam was 1.77 (SD=4.28). At the 12 month follow-up examination, ECC incidence for the initially caries free children enrolled in this study was not significantly different when considering examination modality, i.e. teledentistry or visual-tactile, gender, age or ethnicity. Referrals for preventive or restorative care were provided for all children participating in the study. Conclusions: Almost twenty two percent of the initially caries free children became caries active at the six month examination and almost twenty nine percent at the twelve month examination. A total of 50% of the children became caries active over the course of the study. These data suggest that continuing efforts are needed to improve the oral health of urban preschool children.

 Supported by NIH/NIDCR K23 DE 017230