Prevalence of early childhood caries and associated risk factors in 2–6-year-old children of North East Delhi attending anganwadis: A cross-sectional study

Aims: This study was conducted to find out: (a) the prevalence of early childhood caries (ECC) in 2–6-year-old children of North East Delhi attending Anganwadis. (b) The association, if any, between known risk factors and ECC. Settings and Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 4012 to 6-year-old children of North East Delhi attending Anganwadis. Materials and Methods: A total of 401 children were clinically examined and their dental caries status was measured by the decayed, missing, filled surface (dmfs) index for deciduous teeth given by the WHO, Oral Health Surveys, Basic Method (2013). Structured questionnaires for the mother/caretaker of the children were used to gather information regarding their age, birth weight, feeding habits, oral hygiene practices, etc. Statistical Analysis: Statistical analysis involved the Chi-square test and multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results: The prevalence of ECC and severe ECC was 38.4% and 22.9%, respectively. The mean dmfs was 2.89 ± 5.89. The prevalence of ECC was statistically high in children involved in maternal sharing of utensils (odds ratio = 6.41; 95% confidence interval = 3.61–11.38). Age, increased frequency of between meal snacking, increased frequency of eating sweets and chocolates, low birthweight, and fell asleep with the nipple of milk bottle in the mouth also emerged out as risk indicators for ECC in logistic regression analysis. Conclusions: The prevalence of ECC in Anganwadi children was high and all the dmfs was due to untreated caries. This suggests the paucity of awareness among the studied population. Treatment along with the extensive preventive program in these young children is immensely required.