BIRTH ORDER EFFECT ON ORAL HEALTH IN A GROUP OF EGYPTIAN CHILDREN

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Lecturer, Department of Pediatric and community Dentistry, Faculty of Oral and Dental Medicine, October 6 University, Giza, Egypt

Abstract

Background: Dental caries is one of the major widespread health issues that continue to negatively affect the oral health of children globally.
Aim: Determination of the relationship between the sibling order and dental caries experience in children.
Subjects and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out from outpatient children aged 3–12 seeking treatment in the dental clinic of October 6 university hospital .An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to obtain information from the parents on demographics and family structure including birth rank as well oral hygiene measure. The dental caries status of the children was assessed using WHO standard criteria for primary and mixed dentition.
Statistical analysis : Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare between caries indices in children with different orders in the family. Also linear regression model was constructed using dependent and independent variables.
Results: There was not statistical significant difference between sibling orders and dental caries .Age was the only statistically significant predictor of DMF. Also Frequency of brushing was the only statistically significant predictor of dmf.
Conclusion : No statistical significant difference between sibling orders and dental caries .

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