Prevalence of Early Childhood Caries in Stomatology Teaching Hospital in first half of 1403

Introduction: Early childhood is a destructive condition that affects children's teeth after the eruption of primary teeth. According to the definition by the American Dental Association, early childhood caries is characterized by the presence of one or more missing, decayed, or filled teeth after the eruption of primary teeth in children. Due to the rapid progression of this disease, it poses a serious problem in developing and industrialized societies. This condition is a significant issue in human communities, as it not only causes defects in primary teeth but also has detrimental effects on children's permanent teeth. This study aims to determine the prevalence of early childhood caries among children visiting the Teaching Hospital of Stomatology. Materials and Method: This research was conducted as a descriptive cross-sectional study during the first half of the 1403 among children aged 3 to 6 years visiting the pediatric dentistry Department. by using the necessary examination, the children affected by early childhood caries were included. The study examined the prevalence of early childhood caries according to age, gender, and the teeth involved. The data collected were analyzed using version 21 of SPSS Results: The prevalence of early childhood caries among children visiting the stomatology teaching hospital of was found to be 69.82%. This study indicates that the highest prevalence of caries was observed in the male group, with a percentage of 57.64%. In terms of age-related incidence, the highest prevalence was found among 6-year-old children at 33.62%, and the results suggest that the prevalence of caries increases with age. Regarding dental involvement, the highest prevalence of caries was in the upper central teeth at 58.51%, while the lowest prevalence was found in the lower central teeth at 5.67% Conclusion: The prevalence of early childhood caries among children visiting the Teaching Hospital of Stomatology was found to be 69.82%. This study shows that the highest prevalence of caries was observed in the male group, with a percentage of 57.64%. Regarding age, the highest prevalence of caries was found in 6-year-old children, with 33.62%. The results indicate that the prevalence of caries increases with age. In terms of dental involvement, the highest prevalence of caries was found in the upper central teeth, with 58.51%, while the lowest prevalence was observed in the lower central teeth, at 5.67%.