Behavioral factors involved in the development of precocious caries in children assisted at Pedodontics Clinic at Faculdade de Odontologia of Passo Fundo – RS, Brazil

Abstract

The early childhood caries, which affects babies and young children, has been related to several factors, especially to behavior, when associated to both child and family’s inappropriate habits. This study aimed at assessing behavioral risk factors implied in the development of early childhood caries. The sample consisted of 78 children aging from 12 to 67 months assisted at the Pedodontics Clinic at the Dentistry University of Passo Fundo within the period of December 2007 and May 2008. The data collection consisted of an interview with their parents or responsible and a clinical examination to assess the presence of early childhood caries. Quantitative variables were described by mean and standard deviation. Categorical variables were described by absolute frequencies and percentage relatives. After the association between the used variables and groups by Chi-square test, with Yates correction or Fisher’s exact test, considering a 5% significance level, the frequency of precocious caries was 66.7%. Factors like children’s age weaning and the frequency of sucrose consumption in the diet showed a positive correlation with early childhood caries for children treated in the Clinic of Pediatric Dentistry at Dentistry College of Passo Fundo - RS. Therefore, it is concluded that the identification of risk factors involved in the development and increase of caries must be considered when oral health programs for children are planned.