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.