PREVALENCE OF DENTAL CARIES AMONG CHILDREN IN NAVOI REGION: ANALYSIS OF PREVENTIVE STRATEGIES

Аннотация

This article presents an analysis of the epidemiological situation regarding dental caries among the pediatric population of the Navoi region. It highlights the primary etiological factors contributing to the development of the disease, along with age-related and behavioral characteristics. The findings emphasize the need to enhance regional preventive programs and toimprove oral health awareness among parents and caregivers. Keywords: pediatric dentistry, caries epidemiology, Navoi region, hygiene education, risk factors, preventivestrategy In contemporary scientific literature, the key risk factors contributing to the development of dental caries in children are extensively examined. Researchers identify several majorcauses, including embryogenetic disturbances during enamel and dentin formation (impaired odontogenesis), early artificial feeding, adverse environmental conditions, deviations in the timing of tooth eruption, genetic predisposition, a history of infectious diseases in infancy, poor oral hygiene practices, low systemic fluoride bioavailability, and excessive consumptionofcarbohydrate-rich foods. According to epidemiological data from the World Health Organization (WHO), dental caries and its complications are diagnosed inapproximately 70–75%ofschool-aged children. This high prevalence indicates that current therapeutic and preventive measures remain insufficiently effective, underscoring not only the medical but also the significant social relevance ofpediatric oral health issues. Moreover, global statistics reveal that caries of primary teeth in children aged 3 to 3.5 years ranks among the common pathologies affecting hard dental tissues and necessitates specialized dental care. Despite significant advancements in modern dental science and clinical practice, dental diseases and their consequences remain among the most pressing challenges in global public health. According to statistics, the prevalence of oral diseases in children ranges from 1% to 98%, depending on the socioeconomic status of the country. This indicates that dental disorders are closely linked not only to medical factors but also to broader social and economicconditions. Studies conducted in various regions show awidevariation in theprevalence ofdental caries among children under the age of three — from 1% to 30%. The highest rates have been recorded in European countries, where the average prevalence in this age group is approximately 32%. For instance, in Switzerland, caries is detected in 24.5% of children under three, while in Poland, the figure exceeds 55%. In the United States, prevalence ranges from 9%to 75%,and in MiddleEastern countries, itvaries between 22% and61%. 98,7:ROTCAFTCAPMI .SECNEICSLACIDEM ,5202, enuJ,5emuloV gro.srehsilbupcimedaca.www Differences in these statistical indicators can be attributed to the quality of healthcare systems, the population's level of oral hygiene awareness, economic conditions, and the effectiveness of preventive dental programs ineach respectivecountry. Based on the presented data, it can be concluded that the development of dental caries in children under six years of age is influenced by a complex interplay of multiple etiological factors rather than a single cause. Therefore, the causes of caries should be examined not only on an individual level but also at the population level. For example, low fluoride concentrations in drinking water necessitate the inclusion of fluoride-enriched foods in children's diets. In light of these circumstances, it is essential to design and implement scientifically grounded preventive and therapeutic strategies tailored to the specific epidemiological conditions ofeach region. Poor oral hygiene contributes to the development of chronic inflammatory processes in the oral cavity. Among children, such inflammation can lead to various neuropsychological disorders, including anxiety, increased excitability, insomnia, and similar conditions. Prolonged absence of preventive dental care can result in the formation of chronic oral infection foci, which in turnmay have serious adversesocial and economic consequences. One common issue encountered in dental practice is the disruption of proper contact between teeth, known as malocclusion. This condition frequently arises due to premature tooth loss. Disturbances in occlusal balance can not only affect the patient's speech but also lead topsychological distress, reduced self-confidence, and difficulties insocial integration. This study is based on annual statistical reports and data from two epidemiological dental surveys conducted in the Navoi region between 2018 and 2020. The study included records of 4,320 patients in 2018, 4,580 in 2019, and 5,120 in 2020. The surveys covered children and adolescents aged 6 to 15 years, who were grouped into three age categories: 6–9 years, 10–12 years, and 13–15 years. Additionally, urban and rural residents were considered separately within each age group. Individual