Prevalence and Incidence of Dental Caries in Venezuelan Infants

Introduction: No national survey of primary dentition caries in children 16 to 42 months of age has been performed in Venezuela. Some local studies have shown high caries prevalence in this population (Ayala, 1998, Alvarez, 2002). Objective: To determine the prevalence and incidence of early childhood caries (EEC) in 28 to 54 month old children receiving fluoridated salt (180-200mgF/kg). Methods: 104 children between 16 and 42 months were entered into the study, and 91 children completed this 12 months study. Consent forms were signed by parents or guardians. Children were drawn from 10 public day cares centers and examined by one calibrated examiner at baseline and again at 12 months. Caries was scored by an Acevedo et al (2005) modified defs index used by Radike (1972). Results: The percentage of children with ECC at baseline was 19.2% and the mean defs index was 1.08+3.90 (SD). After 12 months, the ECC was 35.2% and mean defs index was 2.22+5.77 (SD). The percentage of children that were caries-free at first assessment that developed caries after 12 months was 18.7%. The percentage of children that remained caries free was 64.8%; 3.3% of the children presented with fillings. The tooth with the highest caries prevalence was the first molar and the surface most affected was the occlusal. Conclusion: Results showed an increased in the prevalence and incidence of ECC in the study population. Importantly, more than half of the children studied did not present with caries. In addition to fluoride use, this suggests that early health attention is indicated. This study was supported by CDCH-UCV and the Colgate-Palmolive Company.