The prevalence of dental caries in 3-year-old children. Some social differences and a method of assessing pre-school needs at a local level
Silver, D.H.
British Dental Journal 137(4): 123-128
1974
ISSN/ISBN: 0007-0610 PMID: 4155639 Document Number: 81684
Subjects were 263 children from 36 to 47 months old living in Bishop's Stortford. Of a total DEFT (decayed, extracted and filled teeth) count of 360 teeth, 305 required filling or abrasive treatment and 28 required extraction. The total DEFT of boys and girls was not significantly different. Children of lower social class had significantly more caries than those of higher social class. Of the total sample, 8% were breastfed only, 66% were bottle-fed and 26% were given breast and bottle. When the bottle feed was changed to cow's milk, more lower-class mothers added sugar to the milk than did those of higher social class. Of children 3 years old given sweetened milk 56% were free of caries compared with 75% of those on unsweetened milk. Rampant caries occurred in 14% of the children who used sweetened comforters, compared with 1% of those never given comforters. Of 58 children from abnormal pregnancy, labour or delivery, 57% were caries-free compared with 70% from normal delivery. Of children living in houses with 0 to 1 people/room, 70% were caries-free compared with 51% of children living in more crowded conditions. The social groups showed no difference in tooth-brushing habits. Of children brushing their teeth daily, 70% were caries-free compared with 57% of those brushing their teeth occasionally or never.