Maternal factors associated with early childhood caries among 3–5-year-old children with low socio-economic status in Trishal, Bangladesh

Abstract

IntroductionEarly Childhood Caries (ECC) is more prevalent in nations where a larger portion of the population resides below the poverty line. This study aimed to evaluate the connections between maternal awareness, attitudes, practices related to oral health, and the occurrence of ECC among children aged 3–5 years in Bangladesh, a low–middle income country with high level of poverty.MethodsThis cross–sectional study recruited mother–child pairs with a focus on children aged 3–5 years from low socioeconomic backgrounds in Trishal, Bangladesh. Data collected included maternal oral health knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. Clinical examinations were conducted to check for dental plaque on the upper central incisors' labial surfaces. ECC was identified using the ICDAS II index criteria. Associations between maternal oral health knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, and children's plaque score and caries status were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression, and adjusting for confounding variables (child's age, gender, mother's age, education, and number of children).ResultsAmong 532 mother-child pairs, 491 (93.2%) mothers were unaware of the role of fluoride in preventing caries, while 516 (97%) recognized the importance of using fluoridated toothpaste during brushing. Additionally, 520 (97.7%) mothers reported not knowing how to brush their child's teeth, and 87 (16.4%) brushed their children's teeth twice daily. Visible dental plaque was observed in 420 (78.9%) children, and 321 (60.3%) had ECC. Higher plaque score increased the odds of ECC in the study population (AOR: 5.617, 95% CI: 3.511–8.987).ConclusionsMothers of preschool children with low socioeconomic status were poorly aware of caries preventive behaviors and had suboptimal oral health practices for their children. The plaque score was the only oral health factor that seems to increase the risk for ECC among children with low socio-economic status in Bangladesh. It is imperative to prioritize support and interventions aimed at improving oral hygiene practices to reduce ECC risk in this population.

Decoding Early Childhood Caries: A Comprehensive Review Navigating the Impact of Evolving Dietary Trends in Preschoolers

“…Environmental factors such as culture, lifestyle, and dietary patterns also greatly influence caries susceptibility or resilience [31]. ECC risk factors include inadequate nutrition, suboptimal oral hygiene practices, limited dental care access, and maternal education levels [16].…”

“…Notably, ECC disproportionately affects socially disadvantaged populations, with prevalence rates soaring to as high as 85% within certain marginalized groups [ 14 ]. Extensive research underscores parental socioeconomic status, educational attainment, household income, and employment status as predisposing factors for ECC [ 15 , 16 ].…”

“…Socioeconomic and cultural influences: Socioeconomic and cultural determinants significantly impact the prevalence of ECC. Research indicates that children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds are at higher risk of ECC development [ 9 , 16 , 31 ]. Environmental factors such as culture, lifestyle, and dietary patterns also greatly influence caries susceptibility or resilience [ 31 ].…”

“…Environmental factors such as culture, lifestyle, and dietary patterns also greatly influence caries susceptibility or resilience [ 31 ]. ECC risk factors include inadequate nutrition, suboptimal oral hygiene practices, limited dental care access, and maternal education levels [ 16 ]. Additionally, a study investigating nutritional factors associated with ECC underscored the heightened risk posed by increased free sugar consumption [ 24 ].…”

A scoping review of the links between early childhood caries and clean water and sanitation: the Sustainable Development Goal 6

“…In addition, macrolevel factors, like social and economic determinants of health play a major role on disease etiology and its prevention that has to be considered [ 12 ]. Visible plaque on the teeth is indicative of poor oral hygiene and is cited as a major risk factor for ECC [ 13 ]. Good oral hygiene practices may be dependent on access to water and sanitation just as good hygiene practices may are dependent on access to water and sanitation [ 14 ].…”