Extensive Dental Caries in Childhood: Association with Socioeconomic Status, Dietary and Daily Toothbrushing Frequency, and Sleep Disorders

TL;DR

This study finds that extensive dental caries in children is linked to lower socioeconomic status, frequent sugary food consumption, and sleep disorders.

Contribution

The study establishes a novel association between sleep disorders and extensive dental caries in children.

Findings

20.7% of children had extensive dental caries.

Lower parental education and income were strongly associated with higher caries prevalence.

Frequent sugary food consumption and sleep disorders also correlated with caries.

Abstract

Dental caries is a prevalent childhood disease with a multifactorial etiology. The aim of the study is to evaluate the prevalence of extensive dental caries and its association with socioeconomic factors, dietary and daily toothbrushing frequency, and sleep disorders (SDs) in children aged 6 to 10 years. A cross-sectional study with 516 children and their caregivers was carried out. Socioeconomic information and data on dietary habits and oral health behaviors were obtained through a questionnaire administered to parents/caregivers. SDs were assessed using the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children. Extensive dental caries was assessed using the ICDAS II (codes 5–6). Descriptive analyses and multivariate Poisson regression were performed. The prevalence of extensive dental caries was 20.7%. Extensive caries was associated with lower parental education (PR = 1.68; 95% CI: 1.16–2.44; p = 0.006), household income (PR = 5.64; 95% CI: 1.67–18.99; p = 0.005), frequent consumption of sugary snacks/drinks (PR = 2.74; 95% CI: 1.97–3.83; p < 0.001), and greater severity of SD (PR = 1.02; 95% CI: 1.00–1.03; p = 0.007). Extensive dental caries lesions are more common in children whose parents/caregivers have lower levels of education and income, consume more sugary foods/drinks, and have SDs.