Risk factors associated with early childhood caries – a case control study

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors associated with early childhood caries (ECC). Methods: It was an observational retrospective case-control study. The case group consisted of all patients diagnosed with ECC in the records of an active program of maternal and child care. The control group was composed of an equal number of children, matched for gender and age, who attended the program and did not have ECC. The process of data collection consisted of completing a pre-established schedule to analyse variables related to the mother/caregiver and child. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-squared and odds ratio (OR), with alpha (α) = 0.05. Results: History of caries in the mother (OR=2.61; CI 95%=1.45-4.67) and father (OR=1.72; CI 95%=1.02-2.89) were key determinants in the child being diagnosed with ECC. Conclusions: The risk factors associated with ECC were the following: no oral hygiene acceptance, nocturnal feeding duration of more than 16 months, a daily intake of sugar greater than 4 times a day, a Baume type II maxillary arch, fewer than 3 consultations with the program, and a history of decay in the parents.