The influence of social status on pre-school children’s eating habits, caries experience and caries prevention behavior

Objectives To assess the prevalence of Early Childhood Caries (ECC) in a county in Northern Hesse and to correlate this parameter to various independent variables. Additionally to investigate the relationship between preventive measures and the socioeconomic status (SES). Methods In spring 2006, 1,082 preschool children were examined. According to WHO-criteria d 3+4 mft scores were recorded. Information about eating habits and preventive measures were collected by structured questionnaires. To compare the mean caries scores and preventive measures of various subgroups, non-parametric tests were performed. Variables associated with caries were included in a binary stepwise backward logistic regression analysis. Results The mean d 3+4 mft score amounted to 1.88. Children with high SES had significantly less caries than children with low SES. Significant positive and negative associations of feeding practices and preventive measures to d 3+4 mft scores were observed. Differences between feeding practices and preventive measures were dependent on SES. Conclusions Long-term use of baby bottles at night is the most important factor of ECC. Differences in feeding practices and preventive measures in the various SES groups are evident but not that significant as supposed.