Identification of Early childhood caries (ECC) in children's Preschool based on Demographic risk Factor and pH Saliva Achmad Harun1, Pratiwi Rini2, Sumintarti3, Ramadhany Sri4, Mudjari Susilowati5, Rahma Muftihatur6 1Lecturer, Pediatric Dentistry Department, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia 2Lecturer, Dental Public Health Department, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia 3Lecturer, Oral Medicine Department, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia 4Lecturer, Community Medicine Department, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia 5Lecturer, Orthodontic Department, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia 6Clinical Student, Faculty of Dentistry, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia Online published on 4 June, 2019. Abstract Background Early childhood caries (ECC) is the most common caries in children and is often found in children under five years of age (toddlers), with the highest spread in children aged three years. The etiology of ECC is the host (teeth and saliva), microorganisms, substract, and time, these four factors interact and influence each other thus caries are formed on the teeth. In addition to the factors that exist in the oral cavity that are directly related to caries, there are predisposing factors including age, gender, education level, economic level, environment, attitudes and behaviors related to dental health. Objective To know the ECC description of preschool children in East Luwu Regency based on demographic risk factor which includes education, employment, and parents’ income and the childrens’ saliva pH. Method This type of research was observational descriptive and used a cross sectional study design. The research subjects were 410 Preschool students and parents/guardians in East Luwu Regency. Variable assessment was done using a questionnaire and intra-oral examination. Data in this study are presented in tables, graphs and narratives. Results Overall, there were more children with ECC (68.54%), while those without ECC (31.46%). Most ECC was found based on demographic risk factor parental income <2 million (52.31%) and the pH of saliva was very acidic (56, 23%) Conclusion Most preschool children in East Luwu Regency suffer from ECC, with the most risk factors being very acidic pH. High acidity causes a large number of caries. Top Keywords Education, employment, income, ECC, preschool children. Top |