Association between Iron Deficiency and Severe Early Childhood Caries among Preschool Children in Zawia City, Libya: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Early childhood caries is a multifactorial infectious disease and a significant public health issue, the sever form of early childhood caries has distinct clinical features, and negatively affects children's quality of life. This study aims to investigated relation between iron deficiency and early childhood caries in children aged 3–6 years in Zawia City, Libya.
Material and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 100 children aged 3–6 years. Dental examinations assessed caries experience using the deft index (Decay-Extracted-Filled Tooth Index). Blood investigations through phlebotomy for assessment of serum iron and serum ferritin levels. Parental questionnaires were used to collect data on dietary habits, oral hygiene practices. Statistical analysis was performed to identify the effect of serum iron and ferritin on early childhood caries, iron status, and relevant factors.
Result: The prevalence of early childhood caries was 75%, while 24% of participants had severe early childhood caries. Age was significantly positive correlated with early childhood caries. 26% of children had low iron status according to serum ferritin levels. No significant relationship was observed between serum iron or ferritin and early childhood caries, but a significant inverse association was found between sever early childhood caries and low serum ferritin.
Conclusion: Early childhood caries prevalence is directly related to age, while no significant association was observed between early childhood caries and iron deficiency. On the other hand, a significant inverse relationship was noted between iron deficiency (low serum ferritin) and severe early childhood caries, suggesting a potential link between iron deficiency and caries progression.