Association between developmental defects of enamel and early childhood caries: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: The determination of risk factors for early childhood caries (ECC) is important to the implementation of preventive and restorative measures. However, few studies have addressed the association between ECC and developmental defects of enamel (DDE).

Aims: To investigate the association between DDE and ECC, controlling for socioeconomic factors and the presence of dental plaque.

Design: A cross-sectional study was carried out with 387 children aged two to 5 years during the National Immunisation Day held in 2010 in Diamantina, Brazil. Data were collected through clinical examinations and interviews with parents/guardians addressing socioeconomic indicators. Statistical analysis involved the chi-squared test and Poisson regression.

Results: The prevalence of DDE and ECC was 33.9% and 43.3%, respectively. Children with DDE had a greater prevalence rate of ECC (PR: 1.325; 95% CI: 1.093-1.607). Early childhood caries was more prevalent among children with unsatisfactory oral hygiene (PR: 2.933; 95% CI: 2.22-3.86), those who resided in rural areas (PR: 1.267; 95% CI: 1.03-1.55) and those from families with a lower monthly household income (PR: 1.501; 95% CI: 1.06-2.12).

Conclusions: The presence of ECC was associated with the occurrence of DDE in the primary dentition. Place of residence and monthly household income (socioeconomic indicators) and oral hygiene (behavioural factor) exerted an influence on the occurrence of ECC.