A study on oral health behavior and other related factors between children with high dmft and no caries

Abstract

To explore the risk factors of children with high dmft. In suburban of Guangzhou, oral health of 401 3 - 4-year-old children were examined and structured questionnaire were completed by their parents. 120 children with highest number of dmft (dmft > or = 5) and 118 caries-free children were chosen for case-control analysis. The results of logistic regression analysis showed that the factors associated with high dmft were developmental defect of enamel, visible plaque index, frequency of toothbrushing, frequency of sugar consumption, and income. Advocating brushing teeth at least twice daily, controlling the frequency of sugar consuming, reducing the developmental defect of enamel and paying more attention to the oral health of lower income population may effectively reduce dental caries of the children.