470 - Indirect Effects of COVID-19 on Caries in the Pediatric Population

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine whether modifications due to COVID -19 including a sedentary lifestyle, changes in diet, and delay in dental treatment indirectly cause an increased risk of caries in the pediatric population

Methods: One hundred and six males and females between the ages of 5 and 17 years who were established/recall patients of St.Barnabas Hospital Health System and/or Union Community Health Center took part in this study. A structured questionnaire was given to both the patient as well as the parent to complete. A Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth (DMFT) score was then calculated and compared to the previous score determined on an exam visit preceding COVID-19.



Results: The COVID-19 pandemic had a detrimental impact on the frequency with which children brushed their teeth on a daily basis. There was a statistically significant decrease in the number of patients who brushed their teeth every morning or evening. The change in levels of physical activity before and during the pandemic were also statistically different. The number of children who engaged in physical activity every day decreased by 50% during COVID. Those that engaged in such activities only a few times per week or never was also higher during the pandemic. Children spent much more time on electronic devices for leisure during the pandemic which was statistically significant. There was a greater than 50% decrease in the number of children who only spent 1-3 hours on these devices. Conversely, there was a noticeable increase in those who spent anywhere from 4-9 hours per day. There was a significant increase in the frequency of higher DMFT scores during the pandemic, notably 4,5,7 and 9 which correlates with changes in dental hygiene and lifestyle leading to worse outcomes in this patient population. Finally, regarding the parent questionnaire, a large number of parents (70%) were reluctant to bring their children into the dental clinic during the pandemic with the main concern of getting infected with COVID.

Conclusion: This study demonstrates that a sedentary lifestyle, poor oral hygiene, and noncompliance with regular dental visits caused by the COVID-19 pandemic can place children at increased risk of developing dental caries.