Caries activity tests and associated factors among 3- to 5-year -old preschool children in Zhao County,Hebei province,China

Background: This study aims to investigate the caries activity (CA) and its caries status in children aged 3–5 years in Zhao County, Hebei province, China and to explore the related influencing factors. In addition, to analyze the diagnostic value of Cariostat caries activity test in early childhood caries (ECC). Methods: Cariostat caries activity test and oral examination were performed on children aged 3–5 years old in Zhao county, Hebei province by a stratified sampling and to evaluate the caries status, decayed-missing-filled teeth (dmft), caries prevalence, and significant caries index (SiC). A questionnaire survey was used to analyze the CA-related influencing factors and the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was to evaluate the diagnostic value of Cariostat caries activity test in children with ECC. Results: A total of 693 children aged 3–5 years old were selected in this study. The mean dmft score was 7.6 ± 5.0, and the prevalence of deciduous dental caries was 90.5%. There is a positive correlation between the dmft score and CA value (r = 0.586, P < 0.001), and CA and caries prevalence increased with age ( P < 0.05). The results of logistic regression analysis shows that the possible risk factors for high CA included: low educational level of mothers, night-weaning at a later age, high frequency of sugary beverages consumption and low frequency of dental visits. The higher the frequency of vegetables consumption, the lower the risk of CA. The area under the ROC curve was 0.924, and the sensitivity and specificity were 87.40% and 91.17%, respectively. Conclusions: The caries status of preschool children aged 3–5 years old in Zhao county of Hebei province was serious. The higher the mean dmft of children, the greater the CA value. Mother's educational level and children's diet and lifestyle habits were closely related to CA. The Cariostat caries activity test has good efficacy in diagnosing ECC with high sensitivity and specificity.