TY  - JOUR
T1  - The Multifaceted Impact of Early Childhood Caries: A Study on Physical, Psychological, and Social Development
A1  - Hurmat Adamovna Ibragimova
A1  - Seda Visidovna Elmurzaeva
A1  - Khavva Aydinovna Shtagova
A1  - Ayshat Imranovna Taramova
A1  - Marha Leziloevna Katcaeva
A1  - Alil Razuevich Kurbanov
A1  - Gabibullah Rubenovich Magaramov
A1  - Aishat Arsenovna Gasanova
A1  - Ismail Kurbandibirovich Adilgereev
A1  - Radzhab Ibragimovich Ibiev
JF  - Annals of Dental Specialty
JO  - Ann Dent Spec
SN  - 2347-2022
Y1  - 2025
VL  - 13
IS  - 4
DO  - 10.51847/7AavdurM62
SP  - 51
EP  - 59
N2  - Early childhood caries remains a global public health challenge with implications extending beyond oral health. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the multifaceted impact of different dental statuses on the physical development, psychological well-being, and social adaptation of preschool and early school-aged children. A total of 300 children (aged 4-7) were divided into three groups: treated caries (n=120), caries-free controls (n=100), and active untreated caries (n=80). All participants underwent a comprehensive evaluation, including dental examination (dmft, OHI-S), anthropometric measurements, and psycho-pedagogical assessment using validated questionnaires (SDQ, COHIP). Results demonstrated a clear gradient of adverse outcomes. Children with active caries showed significantly higher dmft (7.8 ± 2.3) and OHI-S (3.2 ± 0.7) indices. This group had a fivefold higher prevalence of underweight (42.5% vs. 8.0% in controls), increased ARVI incidence (5.8 ± 1.7 episodes/year), and substantially impaired psycho-social metrics, including a total SDQ difficulties score of 18.4 ± 4.2 points and a low COHIP score of 41.6 ± 9.8 points. 48.8% of them performed poorly academically. Dmft and SDQ scores showed strong positive associations (r=0.68), while anthropometric and academic markers showed negative correlations. Children with treated dental caries showed persistent effects by occupying an intermediate position. The study concludes that untreated early childhood caries acts as a systemic stressor, detrimentally affecting a child's physical growth, immune competence, mental health, and social integration. The findings advocate for a paradigm shift, positioning pediatric dental care as a crucial, interdisciplinary intervention essential for safeguarding holistic child development and preventing long-term socio-educational disadvantages.
UR  - https://annalsofdentalspecialty.net.in/article/the-multifaceted-impact-of-early-childhood-caries-a-study-on-physical-psychological-and-social-de-kfeyromxvt6eosv
ER  -