Prevalence of early childhood caries post covid-19 pandemic in Mumbai among children aged 3-5 years: A cross-sectional pilot study

Abstract

This cross-sectional pilot study aims to investigate the prevalence of Early Childhood Caries (ECC) among children aged 3 to 5 years in Mumbai City, Maharashtra, following the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 91 children were included in the study, with ECC prevalence assessed through standardized examinations and dmfs scoring. Simple random sampling was employed, and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential tests. The study found a high prevalence of ECC (63.74%) among the study population, with no significant gender-based differences observed in ECC occurrence or severity. Despite similar ECC prevalence rates between boys and girls, the overall burden of ECC underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions and preventive measures. The findings highlight the pressing oral health challenge faced by young children in urban settings post-pandemic and emphasize the importance of comprehensive oral health promotion programs and equitable access to preventive oral healthcare. Addressing modifiable risk factors and integrating oral health services into primary healthcare systems are essential steps toward improving oral health outcomes for children in Mumbai and similar urban environments.