Prevalence of early childhood dental caries and some related factors among 3-6 year-old children in Marivan - 2016

The early childhood caries has a high prevalence. Considering the importance of providing optimal solutions for increasing level of oral health and improving the health of children, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of early childhood caries and some related factors with it. This was a cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study in which the statistical population consisted of 3-6 years old children in kindergarten and preschools in Marivan city in 2016.Totally, 422 children were selected through multi-stage sampling. Two dental specialists were measured and recorded early childhood caries. A researcher-made checklist was also used for demographic and background variables. The collected data were analyzed through descriptive statistics and Logistic regression using the SPSS software (version 16). All stages of the study were conducted according to moral standards. Based on the results, 306 children (75.2%) had Early Childhood Caries. The results of logistic regression showed that the Early Childhood Caries significantly associated with variables such as child age and parent›s education level (diploma & collegiate vs. under the diploma) (P<0.05). The prevalence of Early Childhood Caries was higher in children having father and mother with a subordinate level of education and children with higher age. Therefore, it is essential that these children pay more attention to the design of educational programs to maintain and promote the health of the teeth.