Prevalence and pattern of early childhood caries among 3-5 year olds in Kiambaa, Kenya

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence and pattern of early childhood caries among three to five year olds. Design: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study. Subjects: A total of 336 children aged 3-5 years. Setting: Pre-schools in Kiambaa division, Kiambu District, Kenya. Results: Slightly over a half, 201 (59.5%) had dental caries. The mean decayed, missing and filled teeth (dmft) was 2.46 ± 2:3.2 with the greatest component (95%) being decayed teeth. The mandibular deciduous molars and the maxillary incisors were the most frequently carious teeth. Conclusions: The prevalence of early childhood tumours in Kiambaa was 59.5%. The mandibular deciduous molars and maxillary incisors had the highest caries frequency.