CARIES PREVALENCE AND PATTERN IN PRIMARY DENTITION PERIOD

The disease of early childhood caries (ECC) is the presence of 1 or more decayed (non cavitated or cavitated lesions) missing (due to caries) or filled tooth surfaces in any primary tooth in a child 71 months of age or younger. A mapping review found higher ECC prevalence in 3-6 years old no differences in prevalence associated with countries economic status or between developed and developing countries. A systematic review was conducted in 2018 to determine the prevalence of early childhood caries in India which showed that the overall prevalence of ECC in India is 49.6% which is high. Andhra Pradesh has the highest prevalence at 63% and the lowest was reported in Sikkim (41.92%). A study in 2021 reported occlusal surface were commonly affected (46%) then proximal (37%) smooth surface (16%) whereas a study conducted in 2024 reported prevalence rate of individual teeth in the primary dentition central incisor was 30.35% lateral incisor (13.28%) canine (37.02%) 1st molar (15.41%) and 2nd molar (3.92%). Restorations nutrition counselling practicing good dental hygiene and using preventative medications like topical fluorides can all help stop the progression of the ECC.