Early Childhood Caries and Associated Risk Factors among Preschool Children in Southeast Iran

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the prevalence of ECC and evaluate its association with possible risk factors in a group of preschool children in Kerman, Iran. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Kerman on healthy preschool children (up to 6 years old) in June and October 2021. The children were randomly selected from kindergartens using a clustered sampling method, and their height, weight, dental caries, and occlusion were evaluated. Parents completed a questionnaire assessing feeding habits (breast/bottle feeding) and oral habits during the first two years of life. Data were analyzed by logistic regression and chi-squared test using SPSS 27 (p<0.05). Results: Of 530 examined children, 300 (56.6%) had ECC. Feeding habits (breast/bottle feeding) during the first two years of life, nail-biting, and age had a significant relationship with ECC (p<0.05). Although ECC in underweight and obese children was more prevalent than in children with normal weight, the relationship between ECC and body mass index (BMI) was not significant (p>0.05). Conclusion: The prevalence of ECC in preschool children was high. ECC's most important risk factors were age, nutritional habits, nail-biting, and underweight or obese children. Therefore, attention to feeding habits and correction of oral habits can reduce ECC.