Analysis Of Risk Factors Associated With Early Childhood Caries

To explore the risk factors related to Early Childhood Caries (ECC) through oral examinations, questionnaire on children aged 3 - 5, and caries activity detection by collecting oral plaque, so as to provide a reference for its early prevention. 733 children aged 3 - 5 were selected. Parents completed questionnaires and children received oral examinations. The decayed - missing - filled surface (dmfs) was recorded and the children were divided into a caries - free group (dmfs = 0), a low - caries group (dmfs = 1 - 4), and a high - caries group (dmfs>4). Oral plaque was collected for Cariostat caries activity detection. Statistical analysis determined ECC risk factors. This study found that age, gender, the educational level of the main caregiver, the frequency of eating sweet snacks, and the habits of drinking night milk or sleeping with a pacifier were factors affecting the severity of children's caries (P<0.05). The proportion of Cariostat high - risk results in caries - free, low - caries, and high - caries children increased successively (P<0.001). A low educational level of the main caregiver, drinking night milk, sleeping with a pacifier, poor oral hygiene habits, and a preference for sweet foods are risk factors for ECC. As caries progresses, the acid - producing metabolic activity of oral plaque microorganisms increases, further confirming that the Cariostat detection value can be used as a potential biological indicator for assessing the risk of ECC.