Association of Early Childhood Dental Caries with Malnutrition in Children Admitted to a Nutritional Rehabilitation Home of Pokhara, Nepal

Abstract

Introduction: Early Childhood Dental Caries (ECC) is a global public health concern, particularly in resource-limited settings. ECC affects oral health and overall wellbeing, while malnutrition complicates outcomes due to its impact on immunity and nutritional intake. This study explores the correlation between ECC and malnutrition among children aged 1–5 years admitted to the Nutritional Rehabilitation Home (NRH) at the Pokhara Academy of Health Sciences, Nepal.

Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study included 150 children aged 1–5. A trained pedodontist conducted oral health assessments using WHO's oral health survey guidelines, recording decayed and filled teeth (dft) in primary dentition. Nutritional status was determined based on WHO criteria for severe acute malnutrition (SAM) and moderate acute malnutrition (MAM). Behavioral and socioeconomic data were collected via caregiver interviews. Statistical analysis identified associations between ECC prevalence and various demographic, behavioral, and nutritional factors.

Results: ECC prevalence was 27.33%, with a mean of 1.15 decayed teeth and 1.63 decayed tooth surfaces. ECC prevalence increased significantly with age (p < 0.001). Children with mouth-rinsing habits (p = 0.013) or tooth-brushing habits (p = 0.006) exhibited higher ECC prevalence. No significant associations were observed between ECC and sex (p = 0.828), socioeconomic status (p = 0.572), or nutritional status (p = 0.293).

Conclusion: The findings highlight the multifactorial nature of ECC, emphasizing the importance of oral hygiene education and preventive dental care. Public health interventions addressing age-specific risk factors and promoting integrated oral health-nutrition strategies are essential to reducing the burden of ECC in resourcelimited settings.