Clinical consequences of untreated early childhood caries in urban population of children with high risk of caries in Poland

Background. The anatomy and low mineral content
of primary teeth, especially soon after their eruption,
predispose to acute progression of caries. Untreated
early childhood caries (ECC) can rapidly lead
to destruction of the crown and to pulpal involvement.
It is, therefore, important to depict its clinical
consequences in relation to caries intensity and age.
Aim of the study. To assess the correlation of clinical
consequences of ECC with its intensity and age
in urban population of children with high risk of caries
in Poland. Material and methods. In a group of high
caries risk children from Warsaw aged below 6 years
the following were evaluated: dental health (decayed,
filled, missing teeth due to caries (dmft/dmfs), carious
pulp exposure) and mucosal health (ulcerations caused
by decayed teeth, fistulae, abscesses (pufa). Four age
groups were distinguished: <3 years, 3-4 years, 4-5
years and 5-6 years. Statistical analysis: Kruskal-
Wallis test (significance level p=0.05). Results.
Among 223 children (mean age 4.30±1.154 years)
dmft>0 was found in 80% (mean dmft=6.14±5.49,
dmfs=11.60±12.92), restorative index was 0.23±0.33.
Pufa >0 was observed in 26% (mean 0.853±1.839)
with the highest value in the youngest age group
(mean 1.20±2.222). Correlations between dmft, dmfs and pufa were observed. Statistically significant
correlations were found between teeth missing due
to caries and the clinical consequences of untreated
caries. Conclusions. The younger the child affected
by caries, the more severe the consequences
of untreated caries. It has been observed that the rate
of consequences increases with caries intensity.