Figure 1. A multifactorial model of early childhood caries depicting possible roles for the child, the family and the community beyond the classical biological infectious disease model. According to a conceptual model by Fisher-Owens and colleagues, five domains are identified, these include; (genetic and biological factors, social environment, physical environment, health behaviour and dental medical care) identified by past research. In addition, it presents a multilevel conception of how these factors influence outcomes of the children’s oral health.(Fisher-Owens et al. 2007). A recent systematic literature review of international literature from 1966 to 2002 identified 260 publications on ECC and then analysed the importance of individual …show more content…
A genetic factor provides an inherited predisposition to some individual responses affecting health status. Caries is associated with reduced salivary flow, previous caries experience is a risk for future caries and the strongest predictor of decayed, missing or filled permanent teeth(Fisher-Owens et al. 2007). Physical environments have some direct and indirect influence. Mixed results on the impact of race appear to stem from socioeconomic and demographic confounding(Fisher-Owens et al. 2007). Early childhood experience affects subsequent well-being, coping skills, and competence and in turn influence health outcome. Receipt of dental health services to maintain and promote dental health(Fisher-Owens et al. …show more content…
Lesions in the surrounding tissues that are not related to a tooth with visible pulp involvement due to caries will not be recorded. (Monse et al 2010). The codes and criteria for pufa index are as follow: P/p for pulp involvement, U/u for ulceration, F/f fistula, A/a an abscess. The examination will be carried out by two calibrated examiners from the Department of Community Dentistry of Wits University. Questionnaire: A validated questionnaire will determine demographic information. The questionnaire will be adapted from an article by (Raghavendra et al 2013) The questionnaire will consist of closed ended questions covering oral hygiene, dietary habits, and oral health behaviour and socio economic status. The questionnaire will be self-administered; it will be distributed to the parents by a class teacher and returned to the teacher once completed. The questionnaire will be piloted on 10 caregivers who are not involved in the study in order to determine validity and reliability. (WHO 2013). Data managements and analysis: The questionnaire and data will be entered twice into the Epi –info 7 software program file the information data will then be imported into STATA for