Underweight in low socioeconomic status preschool children with severe early childhood caries

Background: The prevalence of severe early childhood caries (sECC) is high in developing nations like India. It has local as well as systemic manifestations. Aims: This study evaluated the influence of sECC and its management on growth parameters and quality of life (QoL) of preschool children from low socioeconomic status families. Materials and Methods: 100 preschool children (50 with sECC and 50 with no dental caries; mean age 5.42 ± 0.74 years) from low socioeconomic status were studied. QoL; Decayed, extracted and filled teeth (def) index; Height (Ht); Weight (Wt); Head circumference (HC); Mid arm circumference (MAC); and, Body Mass Index (BMI) were recorded at baseline and compared after six months of dental rehabilitation. The test group included children with sECC having def > 6 and at least one pulpally involved tooth.The control group children did not have DC (def =0). Both the groups were age, gender and socioeconomic status matched. Statistical Analysis: Statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) v.11.0 computer software. Chi-square test, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Fisher′s exact and paired t tests were performed for comparing the groups at baseline and six month recall visit. Results: Baseline measurements showed that 46% of children with sECC had Wt below 3rd percentile (underweight; mean 15.49 ± 1.87Kg) which was less than the controls (mean Wt 16.34 ± 1.46kg). They also complained of pain (40%), avoidance of hard food (24%), noticed Wt loss (18%) and sleep disturbances (12%). After 6 months of dental rehabilitation, there was a significant improvement in their Wt (P= 0.002) and QoL. Conclusions: sECC negatively influenced the Wt and QoL of children. Awareness, education of parents and facilitation of oral health services may help in improving their Wt and QoL.