Publication:

Oral health status, dietary habits and parental perception among preschool children aged 3-5 years attending Anganwadi Centers in Vikarabad district: a cross-sectional study

Background Oral health in early childhood is influenced by dietary habits and parental perception. Dental caries remains a significant public health problem among preschool children, particularly in rural populations. Aim was to assess the oral health status, dietary habits, and parents’ perception regarding child’s oral health among 3-5-year-old children attending Anganwadi centers and to evaluate their association with dental caries.

Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 202 preschool children selected using cluster sampling from Anganwadi centers in Vikarabad district. Data regarding dietary habits and parents’ perception were collected using a structured questionnaire. Clinical examination was performed using World Health Organisation (WHO) oral health assessment criteria (2013). Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data, and the Chi-square test was applied to determine associations. The level of significance was set at p<0.05.

Results The prevalence of dental caries was 14.9%, while gingival bleeding and dental trauma were observed in 2.5% and 0.5% of children, respectively. Most parents (88.1%) perceived their child’s oral health as good. A high frequency of consumption of cariogenic foods was observed, and a statistically significant association was found between certain dietary habits and dental caries (p<0.05). whereas other dietary factors showed no significant association.

Conclusions Caries was significantly associated with the consumption of sugary foods and beverages. Parental perception often underestimated early oral health problems. Oral health education and dietary counselling, along with regular screening at Anganwadi centers, are essential for improving oral health outcomes.