Prevalence of early childhood caries in three regions of China: A cross-sectional study

Background The burden of early childhood caries (ECC) in different regions of China with different levels of economic development has been of interest to policymakers and public health workers. Aim To investigate regional differences in ECC prevalence in China and to identify associated risk factors. Methods A total of 11 612 three- to five-year-old children from three geographic regions of China were included in this cross-sectional study. The dmft index was assessed for each child. A questionnaire regarding children's dietary habits, oral health behaviors, parents' socioeconomic status, and attitudes toward oral health was administered. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated to evaluate associated factors. Results Caries prevalence in the Eastern, Central and Northwestern regions of China was 63.4% (95% CI: 61.4%-64.5%), 59.4% (95% CI: 58.6%-61.7%), and 59.0% (95% CI: 58.5%-61.6%), respectively. Children from the Northwestern (OR = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.75-0.92) and Central (OR = 0.83, CI: 0.75-0.92) regions of China had a lower risk of experiencing ECC. Dietary habits and parents' specific oral health knowledge and attitudes were associated with ECC. Conclusions Differences in ECC prevalence were found in the three regions of China. Multiple factors were associated with ECC. Overall, the burden of ECC was heavy in the examined regions.