A CROSS-SECTIONAL RESEARCH TO ASSESS AN ONSET OF ECC (EARLY CHILDHOOD CARIES) AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH PRACTICE OF FEEDING AMONG CHILDREN

Background: ECC (Early Childhood Caries) is a major problem throughout the world taken as an epidemic in the under-developed countries. Objective: This research aims to evaluate the ECC prevalence and its association with the practice of feeding. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional research was completed in the timeframe of three months starting from October 2017 to January 2018 at Allied Hospital, Faisalabad. We selected a research sample of 194 children in the age bracket of (2 – 6) years. A detailed dental assessment of every child was carried out after informed consent of the parents/ guardians. We used a questionnaire to gather information about the mother’s education, feeding pattern, brushing, intake of meals, snacks and socioeconomic status of the children. Results: ECC prevalence was 55.2% in our study group. Breastfeeding and bottle feeding were respectively 84% and 16%. ECC percentage was 51.6% among breastfed children which was less than bottle-fed children (72.25%). More carries were observed in those children who carried bottle at night than who did not with respective proportions of 72.5% and 50%. Caries prevalence was 89% among those who took milk with added sugar. Mother’s illiteracy was also involved in the increased rate of carries among children as 56% with respect to literate mothers as 10%. Conclusion: High ECC prevalence was reported in the age bracket of (2 – 6) years old children. ECC occurrence was more in bottle-fed children especially among those who took sugar added milk at night time. There is an immediate requirement of awareness in the general public about the onset of ECC and its attitude for the importance of primary teeth of the children. Preventive strategies are also important for the control of ECC. Keywords: Breast Feeding, Bottle Feeding, Children, Early Childhood Caries (ECC), Socioeconomic and Education