Prevalence of Early Childhood Caries among the 3–5-year-old Children in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Introduction: Dental caries is a significant dental public health issue and it is the world’s most common oral health condition among children. In the Kingdom, the prevalence and severity of early childhood caries has been rising. Aim: The aim of the study is to establish the prevalence of early childhood caries among children aged 3–5 years in Jeddah as well as the associated risk factor of visiting a dentist. Methodology: The research is based on a cross-sectional observational design. Children from both private and public schools were randomly selected from schools in all of Jeddah’s regions until a sufficient sample size was attained. For the diagnosis of early childhood caries, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry criteria were used. Results: In Jeddah, the prevalence of early childhood caries is 57% among children aged 3–5 years. Conclusion: Caries in young children is a public health issue. There should be an increased emphasis to the parents that the child should visit the dentist by 12 months of age as recommended by many professional organizations. Regular dental appointments would then help to lessen the caries burden on children at an early age. The Four A’s treatment regimen is recommended to aid in the prevention and early detection of early childhood caries.