An investigation of the relationship between untreated decayed teeth and dental sepsis in 5-year-old children

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the prevalence of dental sepsis in 5-year-old children in Scotland and the relationship between sepsis, treated and untreated decayed teeth, oral cleanliness (visible plaque on anterior teeth) and socio-economic deprivation. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Six thousand, nine hundred and ninety-four children of mean age 5.3 years were examined as part of a survey conducted under the Scottish Health Board's Dental Epidemiological Programme. The presence of dental sepsis was recorded, in addition to caries status, and presence of plaque. Postal code information was used to obtain a measure of material deprivation. Relationships between sepsis and its possible contributory factors were explored using stepwise logistic regression. MAIN RESULTS: In the whole sample, 4.8% of children examined had dental sepsis, ranging from 2% in the most affluent areas to 11% in the most deprived. Children with sepsis had much higher caries experience (mean dmft 6.30) than those without sepsis (mean dmft 2.36). However, when these factors and the presence of plaque were entered into a logistic regression model to predict presence or absence of dental sepsis, the most important factor was not deprivation, but untreated decay. CONCLUSIONS: The proportion of children with sepsis increases markedly with caries experience. This disadvantage can be mitigated if more of the caries experience is treated. These findings would not support a policy of non-intervention for deciduous caries if oral sepsis is to be minimised.     

Prevalence of dental caries among 5-13-year-old children of Mangalore city

A study of prevalence of dental caries was undertaken in 5-13-year-old children from Mangalore city. A total of 524 children were examined. The sample consisted of 193, 160, and 171 children in the 5-7, 8-10 and 11-13 years of age group, respectively. Dental caries was examined visually and observations were recorded. Silness and L phie plaque index, L phie and Silness gingival index were used to record the periodontal status. The prevalence of dental caries was highest in 5-7-year-age group compared to 8-10 years and 11-13 years age groups. The increasing prevalence of dental caries needs dental health programmes, which target the specific segments of the population.     

Dental caries and associated factors in Mexican schoolchildren aged 6-13 years

The objectives of the present study were to establish dental caries prevalence (percentage with caries) and experience in the primary and permanent dentition (dmft and DMFT) of 6 to 13-year-old schoolchildren in Campeche, Mexico, and to estimate the contributing roles of the likely risk indicators. A cross-sectional study was carried out in 1,644 children aged 6-13 years. Self-administered questionnaires obtained information on social, economic, behavioral, and demographic variables. The primary dentition of 1,309 children and the permanent dentition of 1,640 children were evaluated in the oral examinations. The main outcome measures were DMFT, dmft, and SiC indices. Data were modeled using logistic regression analysis. The overall caries prevalence was 77.4%, 73.6% in the primary dentition (61.6% in 6-year-olds), and 49.4% in the permanent dentition. The dmft and DMFT indices were 2.85+/-2.73 and 1.44+/-2.05, respectively (DMFT = 3.11+/-2.62 in 12-year-olds). The SiC index was 6.05 at 12 years of age. Associated variables to dental caries in both dentitions were presence of enamel defects, presence of dental plaque, low socio-economic status, female sex, and older age. Mother's schooling was negatively associated (OR = 0.95) with caries in primary dentition. Caries experience in the primary dentition (OR = 6.02) was positively associated with caries in the permanent dentition. Dental caries status in these Mexican children was closer to the goals proposed by the WHO/FDI for 2000 than previous studies. This study has identified clinical, socio-economic, and behavioral determinants for dental caries in primary and permanent dentition on Mexican schoolchildren.     

Determinants of early childhood caries (ECC) in a rural Manitoba community: a pilot study

PURPOSE: Preschool oral health is often overlooked as an important aspect of childhood health and well-being. The purposes of this study were to: (1) determine the dental status of 3-year-old children in the community of Carman, Manitoba, Canada; and (2) identify the principal determinants of Early Childhood Caries (ECC) in 2 consecutive years. METHODS: All children and mothers attending a preschool health screening fair were invited to participate. Study procedures included a retrospective interview with parents and dental examination of the child. Statistical analyses included ANOVA, chi-square, and multiple regression. A P value of <.05 denoted significance. RESULTS: A total of 61 children participated (mean age=45.7+/-3.4 months). The prevalence of ECC was 44%, while the mean deft was 2+/-3.3. Increased caries activity and ECC were associated with lower maternal level of education (P<.01). Family size was associated with deft scores (P=.03) while the presence of debris was also associated with ECC (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: ECC prevalence among these 3-year-olds is less than exhibited among other Canadian preschool children. Factors associated with ECC included debris on the primary teeth and low maternal education. Factors most associated with increased caries activity included low maternal education and increased family size. In addition, parents were able to reliably assess their child's dental health status. Larger epidemiological studies of ECC are needed to better assess prevalence and risk factors. Such data may, therefore, assist in identifying those children at greatest risk for ECC. It may also help in the redirection of scarce resources to effective preventive oral health interventions, as these children have an increased caries burden along the continuum of childhood.     

Prevalence of dental caries and treatment needs in the school-going children of rural areas in Udaipur district

Dental caries is among the most common dental problems affecting humans. This condition is a major health problem with high prevalence, globally involving the people of all regions and society. This study was conducted on 1587 government school children of Udaipur district in the age group of 5-14 years for recording the prevalence of dental caries and treatment needs. Dental caries was found in 46.75% children, and 76.87% children required some kind of dental treatment.     

Prevalence and socio-behavioral influence of early childhood caries, ECC, and feeding habits among 6 – 36?months old children in Uganda and Tanzania

Background

Early childhood caries (ECC) is a serious problem that has remained unexplored in sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed to identify possible socio-behavioral correlates of ECC focusing 6?C36?months old children and their caretakers.

Methods

Cross sectional studies were conducted in a high fluoride rural area, Manyara, Tanzania and a low fluoride urban area, Kampala, Uganda. Totals of 1221 and 816 child - caretaker pairs attending health care facilities for growth monitoring were recruited in Manyara and Kampala, respectively. All caretakers completed face to face interviews at the health care facility. Children underwent oral clinical examination whereby ECC and Enamel hypoplasia were recorded using the dmft (WHO 1997) and the DDE index (FDI 1992).

Results

The prevalence of ECC was 3.7% in Manyara and 17.6% in Kampala. According to multiple logistic regression analyses, received oral health information from health worker was the strongest determinant of ECC in Manyara, adjusted OR 0.3, 95% CI 0.09 ?C 0.93. In Kampala, visible plaque, high sugar intake and presence of enamel hypoplasia associated with ECC, adjusted ORs 2.8 (95% CI 1.61- 4.95), 3.0 (95% CI 1.39 ?C 6.34) and 2.3 (95% CI 1.36 - 3.95).

Conclusion

Oral health education aimed at caretakers of 6?C36?months, including health care workers?? information regarding the detrimental consequences for oral health of frequent sugar consumption and poor oral hygiene is important for prevention of ECC in Tanzania and Uganda.     

Dental caries patterns and oral health behaviors in Arizona infants and toddlers

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to use tooth eruption sequence, and a tooth- and surface-specific caries analysis method to determine: (1) the temporal relationship between tooth eruption and caries onset; (2) the validity of pre-existing concepts of caries progression; and (3) the relationship of certain putative health behaviors with caries prevalence. METHODS: A total of 2,428 Arizona children aged 6-36-months, who were recruited from WIC programs (a federal program for low-income children at nutritional risk), health fairs and private day care centers, received visual dental caries examinations. Additionally, an oral health behavior survey was administered to the parents of the 1,529 children recruited from the WIC programs. RESULTS: Dental caries was detected soon after tooth eruption, and by 34-36 months of age 25% of this population had caries. Maxillary anterior caries developed as early as 10-12 months of age. Fissure caries of the molars, either by itself or with maxillary anterior caries, was seen as early as 13-15 months of age. Posterior proximal caries was seen as early at 19-21 months, and only was present in conjunction with the other patterns. Over 40% of the 13-36-month-old children whose parents completed the survey still used a bottle. Night-time bottle use was associated with maxillary anterior caries in 24-36-month-old children, but no association was found in younger children or with posterior caries patterns. Survey responses also showed that fewer than 15% of these children reported having had a dental visit. CONCLUSIONS: Dental caries was a significant health issue for these children under 3 years of age, and factors other than bottle feeding may play an important role in its etiology. Prevention of dental caries in children under age three will depend on a better understanding of the etiology as well as improved access to care.     

上海市2岁幼儿龋病现状和危险因素的初步分析

目的调查分析上海市2岁幼儿龋病患病现状及其危险因素,为上海市幼儿龋病的早期防治提供依据。方法采用多阶段随机抽样方法抽取上海市576名2岁幼儿进行龋病检查和相关饮食喂养习惯的问卷调查,并对结果进行统计学分析。结果上海市576名2岁幼儿乳牙患龋率为18.40%,龋均为0.61,龋面均为0.84。高频率摄取甜食和非定时喂养是幼儿龋病发生的重要危险因素。结论对家长进行早期口腔健康教育,养成合理的饮食喂养习惯是预防幼儿龋病的重要措施。     

Association of parental-reported vitamin D supplementation with dental caries of 3-year-old children in Poland: a cross-sectional study

Objective

The study aimed to assess the association between parental-reported vitamin D supplementation and caries in a national sample of 3-year-olds in Poland.

Materials and methods

A total of 1900 children, representing all provinces of Poland, were invited. The questionnaires concerned vitamin D supplementation, socio-demographics, and oral health behaviours. Based on dental examination, caries scores (dmft/dmfs), prevalence of early childhood caries (ECC) and severe ECC (S-ECC) were calculated. The Spearman’s correlation, linear regression and logistic regression were used to assess the association between various factors and caries (p < 0.05).

Results

A total of 1638 children were tested. Of this number, 99.1% infants were supplemented with vitamin D. Supplementation had been continued seasonally in 55.2% children. ECC/S-ECC prevalence were significantly lower in children receiving vitamin D (ECC 38.3% vs. 44.7%, OR = 0.77; S-ECC 20.5% vs. 27.1%, OR = 0.69; p < 0.05). Mean dmft/dmfs were lower in those with supplementation (1.54 ± 2.72 vs. 2.24 ± 3.55; 2.40 ± 5.56 vs. 3.72 ± 7.56, respectively; p < 0.001). After controlling for confounding factors, supplementation was not significantly associated with caries; only dt/ds were still associated. Maternal education, sweetened beverages before bedtime, bottle use were significantly associated with S-ECC.

Conclusions

Lower caries prevalence was observed in those with vitamin D supplementation. The association between parental-reported vitamin D and ECC/S-ECC was not significant in Polish children. Decayed teeth and supplementation were still associated. Dietary habits can modify the association with caries.

Clinical relevance

There may be an association between vitamin D supplementation and lower caries in children. Parents should supplement their children during periods of significant growth and development.

     

Dental caries and associated factors in 12-year-old schoolchildren in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India

OBJECTIVES: The aims of the present study were to describe the dental health status of 12-year-old schoolchildren in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India, and to identify sociodemographic factors, oral health behaviours, attitudes and knowledge related to dental caries experience. METHODS: The study took the form of a cross-sectional survey of 838 children in upper primary schools. A two-stage cluster sampling technique was used. Dental caries was measured using World Health Organization criteria. Sociodemographic factors, oral health behaviours, attitudes and knowledge were assessed by a self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: The prevalence of dental caries in the permanent dentition was 27%. The mean number of decayed, missing and filled teeth was 0.5 (SD=0.9). The decayed component (D) constituted 91% of the total number of decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that children had a higher risk of having dental caries if they lived in urban area [OR=1.5, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.1-2.1], had visited a dentist (OR=1.6, 95% CI=1.2-2.2), did not use a toothbrush (OR=1.9, 95% CI=1.2-2.9), consumed sweets (OR=1.4, 95% CI=1.0-1.9) or performed poorly in school (OR=1.7, 95% CI=1.0-2.3). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of caries in this sample of 12-year-old schoolchildren was low compared to that in other developing countries. The present study indicated that urban living conditions were associated with more dental caries. Since urbanization is rapid in India, oral health promotion at the present time would be valuable to prevent increased caries prevalence.     

Association between black stains and dental caries in primary teeth: findings from a Brazilian population-based birth cohort

Lower dental caries experience has been observed in children and teenagers with the presence of black stains on dental structures. However, none of the previous investigations were population-based studies or adjusted the analysis for potential confounders. This study assessed the prevalence of black stains at the age of 5 in a population-based birth cohort from Pelotas, Brazil and investigated the association between black stains and dental caries. A total of 1,129 children from the 2004 Pelotas birth cohort were examined at age 5, and their mothers were interviewed at their households. Dental examinations included a search for black stains and dental caries on the primary dentition through the dmf-s index. The mothers' questionnaire comprised data on demographic, social, and behavior aspects. Prevalence of black stains was 3.5% (95% CI 2.5-4.7) and the prevalence of dental caries was 48.4% (95% CI 45.4-51.4). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the association between black stains and dental caries. Adjusted analysis revealed that the presence of black stains was associated with lower levels of dental caries (OR = 0.51; 95% CI 0.26-0.99). The results of the present study suggest that black stains are a protective factor for dental caries development.     

Factors associated with dental caries experience in 1-year-old children

OBJECTIVES: Dental caries in early childhood is an important public health problem. Previous studies have examined risk factors, but they have focused on children during the later stages of the disease process. The purpose of this study was to assess the factors associated with caries in children aged 6 to 24 months as part of a cross-sectional analysis. METHODS: Two hundred twelve mothers with children 6 to 24 months of age were recruited from Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children clinic sites in southeastern Iowa for participation in a longitudinal study of dental caries. Baseline assessments included detailed questions regarding the children's beverage consumption, oral hygiene, and family socioeconomic status. Dental caries examinations using the d(1)d(2-3)f criteria and semiquantitative assessments of salivary mutans streptococci (MS) levels of mother and child were also conducted. Counts of the number of teeth with visible plaque were recorded for maxillary and mandibular molars and incisors. RESULTS: Of the 212 child/mother pairs, 187 children had teeth. Among these children, the mean age was 14 months, and 23 of the children exhibited either d(1), d(2-3), or filled lesions. Presence of caries was significantly associated with older age, presence of MS in children, family income <$25,000 per year, and proportion of teeth with visible plaque. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that not only microbial measures, including MS and plaque levels, are closely associated with caries in very young children, but that other age-related factors may also be associated with caries. Continued study is necessary to more fully assess the risk factors for caries prevalence and incidence in preschool children.     

Physicochemical salivary properties, Lactobacillus, mutans streptococci counts and early childhood caries in preschool children of Colombia

Dental caries is a multifactorial disease, in which saliva has an important role. Saliva properties affect the growth of cariogenic microorganisms, so variations below threshold levels are considered risk factors for the development of dental caries. Salivary tests and microbiological counts of cariogenic bacteria are often used for clinical purposes in order to reveal problems that could explain caries development and have been evaluated in multiple studies, but these studies have mainly been carried out on adults. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify physicochemical salivary properties, mutans streptococci and Lactobacillus counts among preschool children, and their relationship with ECC in a cross-sectional study in Medellín, Colombia. Caries was determined using ICDAS criteria for a sample of 201 preschool children. Stimulated saliva samples were processed for bacterial detection, mean flow rate, pH and buffer capacity calculation. Risk variables for ECC were assessed individually and adjusted using a binary logistic regression model. The results showed that 71.14% of study subjects had ECC. Flow rate, final pH and Buffer capacity increased with age, but none of them were related to the presence of ECC. Although OR analysis detected correlations between ECC, gender age, dental eruption stage and Lactobacillus presence, binary logistic regression analysis only showed gender and Lactobacillus as strongly associated with ECC. It can be concluded that gender and Lactobacillus presence are key variables for the presence of ECC in these children; whilst age and dental eruption stage play a minor role. Further studies are required to clarify the role of mutans streptococci counts in this population and to establish normal salivary parameters as well as threshold levels for hyprosalivation in preschool children, as results showed differences with normal parameters used for adults.     

Oral health, sociodemographic factors, dietary and oral hygiene practices in Jordanian children

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association between oral health, in terms of dental caries and gingivitis, and sociodemographic factors, dental plaque, oral hygiene behaviours, infant feeding and dietary practices in 4-5-year-old Jordanian children. METHODS: Two-stage random sampling procedure was used to select children enrolled in kindergartens in Amman, Jordan. Clinical examinations were carried out by one examiner. Mothers completed questionnaires relating to sociodemographic factors, oral hygiene behaviours, infant feeding and dietary practices of the children. RESULTS: About 67% of the children had caries, 31% had dmft greater than 4 and 66% had gingivitis. Of the children who had been wholly breast-fed, 86% had been fed on demand. Mothers of children attending kindergartens with the lowest tuition fees were more likely to have breast-fed their children on demand and for more than 18 months (prolonged breast feeding) compared to those attending kindergartens with higher fees. Savory snacks were consumed by 82%, confectionery by 76% and teas with sugar by 42% of the children. Multivariate analysis showed age, dental plaque, sleeping beside the mother, use of comforters and selected dietary habits to have an independent effect on caries prevalence. Dental plaque and prolonged breast feeding exerted an independent effect on caries severity and gingivitis. The strongest association with gingivitis was dental plaque. CONCLUSIONS: In Jordan as elsewhere health promotion strategies need to be targeted to mothers from less advantaged backgrounds. Messages about infant breast feeding should emphasise that the method is beneficial to the oral health of the children if appropriately used.     

Association between developmental defects of enamel and dental caries in schoolchildren

Despite improvement, dental caries is still the main public oral health problem worldwide and the major cause of pain, tooth loss and chewing difficulties in children and adolescents; and it impacts negatively on oral health-related quality of life. A cross-sectional study of a multistage representative sample of 8–12-year-old Brazilian school children was carried out in order to investigate the association between enamel defects and dental caries. Children's mothers completed a questionnaire about socio-demographic and behavioural characteristics at home. Firth's bias reduced logistic regression models were undertaken to assess the association between the main exposure (enamel defects) and caries experience. The prevalence of any enamel defect was 64.0%; the prevalence of diffuse opacities, demarcated opacities and enamel hypoplasia was 35.0%, 29.5% and 3.7%, respectively. The prevalence of dental caries was 32.4%, with mean DMFT of 0.6 (SD, 1.2). Dental caries experience was more common among children who had enamel hypoplasia in their posterior teeth (OR = 2.79; 95% CI: 1.05, 6.51) than among those with none. In anterior teeth, there was no association. Enamel hypoplasia appears to be an important risk factor for dental caries.     

Early childhood caries in children aged 6-19 months

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relationship between socioeconomic factors, behaviors and the severity of early childhood caries (ECC) in 6-19 month-old Thai children. The severity of ECC was estimated using the proportion of ECC teeth to erupted teeth. This was termed the 'Intensity of ECC' (I-ECC) index. METHODS: Cross-sectional questionnaire survey, dental examinations, and mutans streptococci counts were obtained from children and mothers/caregivers who participated in the ECC prevention program. RESULTS: The 520 children from rural areas were categorized into four age groups by the mean number of erupted teeth. In the 15-19-month-old children, the prevalence of ECC was 82.8% (cavitated caries, 40.8%; noncavitated caries, 42.0%) with a mean ECC teeth score of 4.18 +/- 3.19. The mean I-ECC severity score was 0.45 +/- 0.30 in these toddlers. Children from low-income families, those with low education, and mothers/caregivers with decayed teeth had higher I-ECC scores (P < 0.05). Children who were breast fed or had high counts of mutans streptococci also had higher I-ECC scores (P < 0.05). The logistic regression model revealed that only children's mutans streptococci level was a statistically significant predictor of ECC, with an odds ratio = 4.5 (95% CI = 1.8, 11.7). CONCLUSIONS: ECC is not only a public health problem but also a social problem in Thailand, because it relates to family income and education level. The community development approach to assisting disadvantaged Thai children should be combined with an effective preventive program at a very young age. Future longitudinal research should be performed to improve the I-ECC for measuring the severity of ECC.     

Prevalence of early childhood caries in a population of children with history of maltreatment

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of early childhood caries (ECC) in a population of maltreated children in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. METHODS: The sample consisted of preschool-aged children (2 to 6 years) admitted to the care of the Children's Aid Society of Toronto (CAST) between 1991 and 2004. Data were collected by reviewing the dental and social workers' records of CAST ECC was determined using the decayed, missing, and filled deciduous teeth (dmft) index. The type and severity of maltreatment were obtained from the Eligibility Spectrum. RESULTS: The study included 66 children: 37 (56 percent) boys and 29 (44 percent) girls, with an average age of 4.1 years [standard deviation (SD) = 1.2]. Four (6 percent) children had evidence of dental injury, and none had teeth filled or extracted as a result of decay ECC was observed in 58 percent of the abused children. Of these, the mean decayed teeth ("dt") value was 5.63 (SD = 4.17, n = 38) and 3.24 (SD= 4.21) for the whole sample (n = 66). The proportion of children with untreated caries was 57 percent among "neglected" children (n = 53) and 62 percent in physically/sexually abused cases (n = 13). Logistic regression revealed that children in permanent CAST care and those in its care more than once were significantly less likely to have experienced caries. CONCLUSIONS: Abused and neglected young children had higher levels of tooth decay than the general population of 5-year-olds in Toronto (30 percent prevalence, mean dt= 0.42, SD = 1.20, n = 3185). However, this study did not find any difference in ECC prevalence between children with different types of maltreatment. The study did find that CAST services had a protective effect on children's oral health, which supports the recommendation that child protection services should investigate possible dental neglect in physical/sexual abuse and neglect cases.     

Caries prevalence and distribution, and oral health habits of zero- to four-year-old children in Macau, China

This study sought to determine the prevalence of early childhood caries and the oral health habits of children ages 0 to 4 years in Macau, China vs. children in Hong Kong. Caregivers of 353 children from 7 nursery centers completed a questionnaire, and dental personnel examined their children with a light and disposable mouth mirror. The children's mean age was 2.8 +/- 0.6 years. Using the diagnostic criterion that cavitation was evidence of dental caries, the caries prevalence was 18%. When the age range was narrowed to 1.8 to 3.5 years, the caries prevalence was 19% in Macau children compared to 17% in Hong Kong children. No statistically significant relationship existed among caries prevalence, feeding habits, or oral hygiene habits, supporting the notion that the etiology of ECC is multifactorial. The similarity of caries prevalence in these 2 populations may result from the effects of cultural norms on the dental habits of the children.     

Early Childhood Caries in Victorian Preschoolers: A Cross-Sectional Study

AimThe objective of this work was to determine the prevalence of early childhood caries (ECC) in children attending preschools that are enrolled in the Smiles 4 Miles health promotion program in Victoria and determine the sociodemographic variables associated with ECC.Materials and methodsA cross-sectional sample of 1,845 3- to 5-year-old children attending 61 preschools was selected by stratified cluster sampling. Dental caries was classified as non-cavitated/early lesions (d^1-2), cavitated (d^3-6) lesions, and cavitated/non-cavitated (d^1-6) lesions using the International Caries Detection and Assessment System. A self-administered parental questionnaire captured sociodemographic and behavioural data. Multivariate logistic regression and Poisson mixed model analysis was used to examine associations amongst sociodemographic variables, child oral health behaviours, and decayed tooth surfaces.ResultsIn all, 56.6% (n = 1,044) of the children had ECC; more than one-third (36.6%) presented exclusively non-cavitated/early lesions, 5.7% solely cavitated lesions, and 14.2% both. Children from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds had higher levels of dental caries. Parental pensioner/health care card status (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 1.76, 95% CI, 1.57-1.97), non-English-speaking background (IRR = 2.09, 95% CI, 1.80-2.43), and Indigenous status (IRR = 1.91, 95% CI, 1.50-2.43) were associated with higher rates of cavitated lesions. Children who consumed soft drinks once or more per week had 1.66 times more cavitated lesions (95% CI, 1.48-1.86) compared to children who never/rarely consumed soft drinks. Soft drink consumption of once or more per week was associated with parental health care/pensioner card status (odds ratio [OR] = 1.73, 95% CI, 1.36-2.18), non-English-speaking background (OR = 1.58, 95% CI, 1.11-2.27), and Indigenous status (OR = 1.92, 95% CI, 1.04-3.52).ConclusionsHigher levels of more severe caries rates in children from socioeconomically disadvantaged background highlight an opportunity for early preventive interventions targeting these groups.