INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL AND HYGIENIC FACTORS ON CARIES PREVALENCE IN PRESCHOOL CHILDREN

Abstract

Early Childhood Caries (ECC) remains a pervasive global public health challenge, severely impacting the physical development, nutritional intake, and overall quality of life in young children. While the biological mechanism of tooth decay is well established, the interplay between environmental factors—specifically socioeconomic status and domestic oral hygiene behaviors—remains a primary driver of disease disparities.