Screen dependency and first permanent molar caries experience among 6 to 8 year old children: A comparative cross-sectional study
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Abstract
Background: Excessive digital screen exposure is a growing pediatric health concern, yet its impact on early permanent molar decay remains unclear. This study evaluated the relationship between daily screen time and first permanent molar caries experience in 6- to 8-year-old children. Methods: In this comparative cross-sectional study, 140 children aged 6 to 8 years were assigned to Group 1 (≤2 hours/day, n = 70) or Group 2 (>2 hours/day, n = 70). Parent questionnaires and clinical examinations recorded Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth scores for first permanent molars per World Health Organization guidelines. Mann-Whitney U and Chi-square tests compared groups, with Spearman correlation evaluating screen duration against caries severity (alpha = 0.05).
Results: Baseline parameters showed no significant differences between Group 1 and Group 2 in age, gender distribution, or socioeconomic status. Group 2 demonstrated significantly higher molar caries scores (1.93 ± 1.17; median: 2.00, interquartile range: 2.00) than Group 1 (1.33 ± 1.19; median: 1.00, interquartile range: 2.00). Daily screen duration positively correlated with caries experience (Spearman correlation coefficient = 0.646, p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Daily screen exposure exceeding two hours is significantly associated with increased first permanent molar caries severity in young children. Integrating digital screen habit screening into routine pediatric dental risk assessments is recommended.
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