Karieszuwachs bei Vorschulkindern; Korrelation zu verschiedenen Ernährungs -und Prophylaxeparametern

Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the significance of various risk factors for the increment of dental caries in deciduous teeth of preschool children over a period of 3 years. Sample and Method This study was conducted as a 3-year longitudinal study and was carried out in kindergartens in two German counties in Hess (Waldeck-Frankenberg and Marburg-Biedenkopf). The children received guidance and assistance with dental preventive care at their kindergartens, which is common for these regions. These preventive measures include regular tooth-brushing instructions, monitored tooth-brushing by the nursery teacher, and the provision of fluoride tooth-paste. The baseline examination took place in 2006/ 2007. The mean age of the children was 3.5 years. After 3 years 566 children (mean age 5.5) were followed up. Data on dental caries were collected by clinical examination, while behavioural data were gathered by questionnaires which were handed out to the parents. Results 395 (69.8 %) children showed no caries increment. 171 (30.2 %) whereas had a caries increase of 1 to 10 dmf-t. The 3-year net mean dmf-t increment score was 0.75. The bivariate analysis showed that the consumption of sugary food and beverages has a negative impact on oral health of preschool children. The following variables, however, exerted a positive influence on dental health: (1) Early start of oral hygiene, (2) use of fluoridated children’s tooth-paste and (3) frequent tooth-brushing. A clear income-based disparity in oral health could be demonstrated. Stepwise backward logistic regression analysis indicated that a high social class has a significant positive impact on dental health among preschool children, whereas the consumption of sugary food and beverages was significantly associated with a higher increment in dental caries. Conclusion Disparities in oral health can be expected to exacerbate due to growing income disparities and demographic trends. Preventive programs need to be developed to correct these disparities. Further high quality studies are needed to evaluate the predictors of caries in young children.