Abstract

The aim of the present survey was to assess the prevalence of ECC and its association with socio-behavioural and parental factors among 2-6 year old children in Faridabad. Material and method: Risk factors evaluated were: Parent related variables which include family income, educational level, oral health belief, and oral hygiene practices of parents. Secondly, Child related variables which include sex, age, oral health practices, dental visit pattern, deleterious oral habits, feeding and dietary practices of child. Ten kindergarten schools in Faridabad were included and data of 750 children of age group (2 - 6) years was collected. A structured questionnaire was sent to the parents before conducting the study. A prior consent for dental examination was taken from the parents. Dentition status and oral hygiene status (visible plaque) was evaluated. Results: Chi square tests were applied for evaluation of risk factors. The prevalence of ECC was found out to be 28.8%. Conclusion: Presence of visible plaque, habit of breast feeding, bottle feeding, frequency and direction of cleaning was found to be the determinants of ECC.