The Prevalence of Dental Caries in Primary Dentition in 3- to 5-Year-Old Preschool Children in Northern China

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the prevalence and factors promoting caries in primary dentition of 3-5-year-old children in Northeast China. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data of 1,229 children aged 3 to 5 years were randomly selected. The caries prevalence and other indicators were assessed, and the results analyzed by SPSS. A questionnaire was also given to the children's guardians to ascertain the potential risk factors associated with caries. RESULTS: The decayed, missing, and filled teeth (dmft) index in children aged 3, 4, and 5 years old was 3.17, 5.13, and 6.07, respectively, while the caries prevalence rate was 62.16%, 75.89%, and 87.28% accordingly. The incidence of caries among rural children was higher than that in urban areas. Regarding oral health awareness, it was found that parents in urban areas had more accurate perceptions of oral health problems. It was also noted that the children's brushing habits were worrying. Family economic and medical resources are not the main causes of serious dental caries in rural areas. CONCLUSIONS: The oral health status of children aged 3-5 years is not optimistic. Many parents have a low awareness of oral health. Strengthening the promotion of oral health knowledge is an effective way to change the situation.