Global disparity in childhood dental caries: Is there a remedy?

Abstract

Objective: To determine risk factors associated with childhood caries, their association with the widening childhood caries gap between developed and less developed nations and proposition on how the gap could be bridged. Data source: Pubmed database was used to retrieve appropriate research literature. Study selection: All publications in the English language reporting on prevalence, management strategies and policy matters relating to childhood dental caries for the period 2000 to 2011. Data synthesis: The data collected were analysed and the results related to the objective of the study. Conclusion: Socio-economic factors, educational factors and human resource factors were found have been associated with childhood caries gap between the developed and less developed nations. The caries gap could be bridged through smart policies by less developed nations, involving multiple strategies geared towards preventive oral health care.