Year : 2023

Volume : Volume 14

Issue : Issue 2

Address for correspondence :
Dr. Dharmendra Kumar Singh
singhdrdk2008@gmail.com

Abstract

Background: In the current scenario of developing countries, dental caries has been a long-standing challenge in the oral health issue and still
on the rise. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the following study is to estimate the caries prevalence in the primary dentition among children
below 5 years of age. Materials and Methods: Study population included both boys and girls below 5 years age reporting to OPD of PHC
Dhanarua, Patna, Bihar. A simple random sampling method was used. A total of 168 children were examined under headlamp illumination
using mouth mirror and probe according to the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. A questionnaire was used to elicit information
from the attendants regarding general health, intraoral examination, and caries experience, which was recorded using the WHO 1997 pro
forma. The data were computerized and analyzed applying the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences program. Results: The prevalence
of dental caries was 56.54%. Caries prevalence was higher in the boys than the girls and it was statistically significant (P < 0.05). It was also
found that primary second molars were the highest carious tooth. Conclusion: The prevalence of dental caries was high among children below
5 years old. The present study was undertaken to obtain baseline data for planning preventive programs. Untreated caries indicates subsequent
steps toward preventive and restorative care should be initiated. To reduce the caries prevalence, there is a need for continuous monitoring
and health education to the children and parents and guardians.