Association between Drinking Water Source and Dental Caries Experience among Young Children
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54361/LJMR.20.2.54Keywords:
Early childhood caries, Bottled water, Bap water, FluorideAbstract
Background: Early childhood caries remains a major public health concern influenced by multiple behavioral and environmental factors, particularly fluoride exposure through drinking water. This study investigated the association between primary drinking water source and dental caries experience among young children in Al-Zawia, Libya. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 136 children aged 3–13 years. Dental caries experience was assessed using the deft index for primary dentition and the DMFT index for permanent teeth. Participants were divided into two groups according to their primary drinking water source: the study group (children consuming municipal tap water) and the control group (children consuming bottled water). Fluoride exposure was estimated based on the reported water source. Statistical analysis included independent-samples t-tests and non-parametric tests where appropriate, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The mean caries experience score was significantly higher among bottled water consumers (3.29 ± 2.89) compared to tap water consumers (2.00 ± 2.67). The difference was statistically significant (t = −2.18, p = 0.032). A substantial proportion of children (70.2%) exhibited caries experience greater than zero. Increasing caries severity was observed with age, particularly among children aged 5–6 years. Bottled water samples showed low fluoride concentrations (0.06–0.30 ppm), below levels considered optimal for caries prevention. Conclusion: A significant association was identified between drinking water source and dental caries experience in young children. Consumption of bottled water was associated with higher caries burden, likely due to reduced fluoride exposure compared with municipal tap water. These findings highlight the importance of adequate fluoride exposure in early childhood and support public health strategies promoting optimal fluoride intake to reduce caries risk.
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