Socioeconomic status of the family and caries experience among 2–6 years old preschool children of Lucknow city, India

AimThe aim of the present study was to assess the socioeconomic status of the family and caries experience among 2–6 years old preschool children of Lucknow city, India.Material and methodsA sample of 512 preschool going children were selected. The socioeconomic status was elicited using modified B.G.L. Prasad's classification for the year 2010. Parent's education, occupation and income were recorded. Dental caries experience was recorded using Dentition status and treatment needs (WHO Basic Oral Health Survey 1997). Association between socioeconomic status and caries experience was obtained using chi-square test.ResultsThe prevalence of nursing caries was 33.01%. Nursing caries was significantly associated with lower parents education, occupation and socioeconomic status of the family (p < 0.001).ConclusionInstilling the positive attitudes of the parents especially mothers toward the prevention of nursing caries would reduce the prevalence at this tender age of life.