Early childhood caries and related risk factors: A cross-sectional study of children in Zhejiang Province, China.

Abstract

This work aims to exploring the risk factors related to ECC by investigating oral health status, related behaviours and habits of children and their parent's knowledge regarding oral hygiene. A total of 2700 children aged 3-5years and their parents from Zhejiang province were examined. Chi-square test or U test was used to analyse the difference of caries incidence among different groups. Logistic multiple factor stepwise regression model was used to analyse the risk factors influencing ECC prevalence. ECC prevalence rate in these children was 70.7%. The mean decayed missing filled teeth(dmft) scores were 4.33. Through analysis of logistic multiple factor stepwise regression model, risk factors related to the prevalence of ECC in children include: older age, region (coastal or mountainous area), higher frequency of bedtime dessert consumption and poor care of children's oral health by parents. In the questionnaire, 5 of 14 questions showed parents' poor oral knowledge or awareness. The prevalence rate of ECC in children aged 3-5 in this study was high and associated with older age, region (coastal or mountainous area), higher frequency of bedtime dessert consumption and poor care of children's oral health. Parents need to strengthen their understanding and action of dental caries.