Early childhood caries in relation to sweet foodstuffs consumption and oral hygiene practices in nursery-age children

Introduction. Accurate and regular cleaning of
the oral cavity, in conjunction with an anti-caries
feeding scheme, is essential to reduce the risk of early
childhood caries (ECC). Aim of the study. To evaluate
the prevalence of early childhood caries in nurseryage
children and to assess the impact of sweets
consumption and toothbrushing on the development
of early childhood caries. Material and methods. The
study comprised 346 children 7 to 48 months of age
who were examined clinically. Also the epidemiological
study assessed the prevalence of caries and its severity.
Results. The frequency of caries in the studied group
of children was 44.51%. Statistical analysis showed
significantly lower prevalence of caries in the children
who did not consume sweets and brushed their teeth
than in children, whose teeth were not regularly
brushed. Conclusions. The results confirm the need
to intensify educational activities involving parents/
carers of young children concerning proper eating
habits and hygiene practices since implementation
of recommended standards significantly impacts
frequency of caries. Early elimination of incorrect
eating habits and due respect for the fundamental