Risk factors for early childhood caries: A case-control study

Aim: To investigate the risk factors for early childhood caries (ECC) among Indian preschool children. Methods: This case control study recruited 380 children who were divided into two groups based on their def scores. The study group (cases) included children who were diagnosed with ECC (def > 0). The cases were compared with the control group which included children who were caries free (def = 0). Data were statistically analysed using χ 2 test and multiple logistic regression analysis. Results: Risk factors specific to the ECC group were first born child (OR 4.18, 95 % CI 1.98-8.80), snacking more than thrice per day (OR 2.78, 95 % CI 1.41-5.47), bottled drinking water (OR 4.58, 95 % CI 2.13-9.86), use of more than a smear amount of toothpaste (OR 4.99, 95 % CI 2.54-9.81), mother unemployed (OR 3.45, 95 % CI 1.70-6.99) and day care person of the child (OR 8.49, 95 % CI 3.98-18.10). Conclusions: Most common risk factors were order of birth, snacking more than thrice per day, source of drinking water, use of more than a smear amount of toothpaste, mother's work status and day care person of the child. © 2013 European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry.