Dental caries in African preschool children: Social factors as disease markers

Objective: This study investigated the associations between dental caries prevalence and severity and social factors in 3- to 5-year-old African children. Methods: Dental caries was diagnosed in natural light using WHO criteria, mirrors, and explorers. Socioeconomic information was obtained by questionnaire. Results: The percentages of 3-, 4-, and 5-year-olds with any caries experience were 47 percent, 58 percent, and 63 percent, respectively. Mean dmfs scores (so) were 2.2(3.6), 3.0(3.8), and 3.7(4.1), respectively. Family education was associated with caries prevalence (P=.03) and severity (P=.008) in a multivariable regression model. Conclusion: In the indigenous African group studied, family education is a disease marker to target in future caries risk evaluations.