Trends and Prevalence of Dental Caries in Children Aged 3 to 5 Years in Beijing, 2013 to 2023: A Cross-Sectional Study

Trends and Prevalence of Dental Caries in Children Aged 3 to 5 Years in Beijing, 2013 to 2023: A Cross-Sectional Study | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Trends and Prevalence of Dental Caries in Children Aged 3 to 5 Years in Beijing, 2013 to 2023: A Cross-Sectional Study Chang Liu, Mei Zhao, Hui Zhang, Wei Chen, Wen Ren, Min Liu This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-8162814/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Published Journal Publication published 19 Mar, 2026 Read the published version in BMC Oral Health → Version 1 posted 15 You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Background This study aimed to explore the trends and prevalence of dental caries in children aged 3 to 5 years in Beijing from 2013 to 2023. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted by analyzing oral examination data derived from the Beijing public health program for children aged 3 to 5 years in Beijing over an 11-year period from 2013 to 2023. The diagnosis of dental caries adhered strictly to the epidemiological survey standards set by the World Health Organization. The dmft index, the prevalence of dental caries, and the dental caries filling ratio serve as key indicators for assessing the status of deciduous teeth caries. Results Overall, the prevalence of dental caries and the dmft index among children aged 3 to 5 years in Beijing has exhibited a consistent and gradual downward trend from 2013 to 2023. The dental caries filling ratio for children aged 3, 4, and 5 years showed a significant upward trend from 2013 to 2019, while the change from 2020 to 2023 did not reach a statistically significant level. Conclusions Over the past 11 years, the prevalence of dental caries among children aged 3 to 5 years in Beijing has exhibited a general downward trend. dental public health early childhood caries epidemiological study trend Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 1. Background Early childhood caries (ECC), a chronic noncommunicable disease, is defined as "the presence of one or more decayed (nonactivated or cavitated lesions), missing or filled (due to caries) surfaces, in any primary tooth of a child under six years of age” [ 1 ] . The prevalence of dental caries is quite high among all diseases affecting children, posing significant risks not only to oral health but also to overall growth and development. Furthermore, it adversely impacts mental health and social skills [ 2 ] . Since the 1960s, there has been a notable decline in the prevalence of caries among young children in economically advanced Western countries with well-established social and medical security systems [ 3 ] . However, this trend does not apply to China [ 4 , 5 ] . Over the past two decades, with economic growth and improved living standards in China, the prevalence of dental caries among young children has remained high. According to national oral health surveys of China, the prevalence of dental caries in deciduous teeth for five-year-olds increased from 66% in 2005 [ 4 ] to 70.9% in 2015 [ 5 ] . In response to this public health challenge, the Beijing Municipal Government launched a public health program in 2011 targeting children aged 3 to 6 years. The program involves conducting annual oral examinations, applying fluoride treatments twice a year, and delivering comprehensive health education in all kindergartens across Beijing. The objective of this study was to analyze trends in caries prevalence among children aged 3 to 5 years in Beijing from 2013 to 2023 by utilizing data from the annual oral examination database associated with the public health program. Additionally, the study seeks to indirectly assess the effectiveness of public health programs targeting preschool children in Beijing. 2. Methods 2.1. Study design and population This study focuses on the analysis of oral examination data from the study population. The study population consisted of children aged 3 to 5 who participated in the public health program in kindergartens across 16 districts of Beijing from 2013 to 2023. The years range from 2013 to 2023, a total of 11 years. The districts include all 16 districts of Beijing: Dongcheng, Xicheng, Chaoyang, Fengtai, Shijingshan, Haidian, Tongzhou, Fangshan, Shunyi, Changping, Daxing, Mentougou, Huairou, Pinggu, Miyun, and Yanqing District. Each district contains a considerable number of people. Before the implementation of this public health program, informed consent was obtained from the children's guardians through signed consent forms. Subsequently, the children participated in oral health education sessions, underwent dental caries examinations within the kindergarten setting, and then underwent fluoride foam application. This study encompassed a total population of 1017834 children in the 3-year-old age group, 1358720 children in the 4-year-old age group, and 1204054 children in the 5-year-old age group from 2013 to 2023. 2.2. Oral examination From 2013 to 2023, about hundreds of qualified and trained dentists from the 16 districts of Beijing annually conducted oral examinations for children participating in the program. Before the implementation of the program every year, the dentists underwent standardized training; however, no formal consistency calibration was performed, resulting in the absence of Kappa values. Previous studies conducted in Beijing have demonstrated the accuracy and reliability of the oral examination results. In practice, dentists conducted oral examinations for children under artificial lighting in kindergarten classrooms, using oral mirrors and CPI probes. Caries was diagnosed according to the World Health Organization’s "Standards for Epidemiological Investigation" (Fourth Edition) [ 6 ] . 2.3. Data processing All examination results, after undergoing standardized quality control to ensure completeness and logical consistency, were uploaded to the Beijing oral public health network data center. Subsequently, individual sensitive information (e.g., names, kindergarten details, contact information, etc.) was anonymized via the network center, and the data were then downloaded into Excel format for further analysis. Thereafter, statistical analysis was carried out with SPSS 27.0. The key indicators are the prevalence of dental caries (the percentage of children affected by dental caries), the dmft index (the average number of decayed, missing, or filled deciduous teeth), and the dental caries filling ratio(ft/dmft). The chi-square test was used to compare the differences in the prevalence of dental caries and the dental caries filling ratio among different groups; nonparametric tests (Mann-Whitney U test) were used to evaluate the differences in means among different groups. The statistical significance of the changing trend was assessed using linear regression analysis. The statistical test level was α = 0.05. 3. Results 3.1. Demographic information of the study sample Table 1 provides the demographic information of the study sample stratified by year, age, and gender. Table 2 provides a comparative analysis of the demographic composition of the sample population aged 3 to 5 years in 2013 and 2023, juxtaposed with the demographic composition of children aged 0 to 3 years, as reported in the 2010 [ 7 ] and 2020 census [ 8 ] data for Beijing. The sample populations in 2013 and 2023 comprised 79.8% and 76.41%, respectively, of the total population of the same age group in Beijing, and the male-to-female ratio in the same age group is consistent. 3.2. The trend of the prevalence of dental caries among children aged 3 to 5 years in Beijing from 2013 to 2023 Table 3 and Figs. 1 shows the prevalence of dental caries among children aged 3 to 5 years in Beijing from 2013 to 2023. In 2023, the prevalence of dental caries for children aged 3 to 5 years was 34.76%, 45.52%, and 55.65%, respectively, which were lower than the corresponding rates of 40.3%, 52.2%, and 60.3% reported in 2013 (chi-square test, P < 0.001). Overall, the prevalence of dental caries in children aged 3 to 5 years exhibited a consistent and gradual downward trend (linear regression test, P < 0.05). 3.3. The trend of the dmft index among children aged 3 to 5 years in Beijing from 2013 to 2023 Table 4 and Figs. 2 shows the dmft index among children aged 3 to 5 years in Beijing from 2013 to 2023. In 2023, the dmft index for children aged 3 to 5 was 1.43 ± 2.715, 2.12 ± 3.312, and 2.87 ± 3.785, respectively, representing significant decreases from the values of 1.69 ± 2.896, 2.45 ± 3.454, and 3.06 ± 3.793 recorded in 2013 [nonparametric test (Mann-Whitney U test), P < 0.001]. Overall, the dmft index in children aged 3 to 5 years followed a trend similar to that of the prevalence of dental caries, exhibiting a consistent and gradual downward trend (linear regression test, P < 0.05). 3.4. The trend of the dental caries filling ratio among children aged 3 to 5 years in Beijing from 2013 to 2023 Table 5 and Figs. 3 shows the dental caries filling ratio among children aged 3 to 5 years in Beijing from 2013 to 2023. The dental caries filling ratio among children aged 3 to 5 years exhibited an overall upward trend from 2013 to 2019(linear regression test, P < 0.05). Specifically, the peak filling rates for the 3-, 4-, and 5-year-old age groups were observed in 2018 or 2019, the dental caries filling ratio for children aged 3, 4, and 5 years increased from 7.9%, 13.7%, and 18.9% in 2013 to 8.9%, 16.3%, and 21.7% in 2019 (P < 0.05), respectively. However, the dental caries filling ratio decreased from 8.9%, 16.3%, and 21.7% in 2019 to 6.6%, 11.0%, and 17.3% in 2023 for the 3-, 4-, and 5-year-old age groups, respectively (P 0.05). The dental caries filling ratio among children aged 3 exhibited a declining trend from 2020 to 2023 (linear regression test, P < 0.05). Appendix To Tables and Figures Table 1 The population data for the study from 2013 to 2023 3 years old 4 years old 5 years old male female total male female total male female total total for the year 2013 54859 51312 106171 62803 57191 119994 56159 51020 107179 333344 2014 52804 49254 102058 59349 54891 114240 51257 46269 97526 313824 2015 63227 59617 122844 61031 56381 117412 54022 59699 113721 353977 2016 57630 54700 112330 65575 60958 126533 47975 44155 92130 330993 2017 48014 46063 94077 62544 58721 121265 53447 49741 103188 318530 2018 46750 43937 90687 60058 55591 115649 51668 47893 99561 305897 2019 44935 42184 87119 70602 65110 135712 60643 55944 116587 339418 2020 21634 21010 42644 29882 28784 58666 20176 19144 39320 140630 2021 42697 39449 81846 83930 77885 161815 64604 59812 124416 368077 2022 34671 32489 67160 68602 64819 133421 79935 75899 155834 356415 2023 57094 53804 110898 79941 74072 154013 79696 74896 154592 419503 total for the age group 1017834 1358720 1204054 Table 1 presents the demographic data of this study from the perspectives of year, age group, and gender. Table 2 Comparison between the study sample and the population of the same age in Beijing Children aged 3 to 5 years in this study (2023) Census Citywide children 0 to 2 years old (2020) Sample as a percentage of the citywide population of the same age (%) Age Group male female Subtotal Sex ratio (male-to-female) Age Group male female Subtotal Sex ratio (male-to-female) 3 years old 57094 53804 110898 106.1% 0 years old 79388 73342 152730 108.2% 72.6 4 years old 79941 74072 154013 107.9% 1 year old 101767 94413 196180 107.8% 78.5 5 years old 79696 74896 154592 106.4% 2 years old 103623 96492 200115 107.4% 77.3 Total 216731 202772 419503 106.9% Total 284778 264247 549025 107.8% 76.4 Children aged 3 to 5 in this study (2013) Census City children 0 to 2 years old (2010) Sample as a percentage of the citywide population of the same age (%) Age Group male female Subtotal Sex ratio (male-to-female) Age Group male female Subtotal Sex ratio (male-to-female) 3 years old 54859 51312 106171 106.9% 0 years old 77456 70080 147536 110.5% 91.6 4 years old 62803 57191 119994 109.8% 1 year old 63867 56572 120619 112.9% 78.3 5 years old 56159 51020 107179 110.1% 2 years old 59895 53314 113209 112.3% 72.1 Total 173821 159523 333344 109.0% Total 201218 180146 381364 111.7% 79.8 The sample size composition of the 3 to 5-year-old age group in 2013 and 2023 and the corresponding total population of the 0–to 2-year-old age group in the 2010 and 2020 Beijing censuses are shown in the table. The sample size of each age group ranged from 3 to 5 years, and the overall sample size accounted for more than 70% of the total population of the same age group in the city. Table 3 Status of the prevalence of dental caries among children aged 3 to 5 years in Beijing, 2013 to 2023 The prevalence of dental caries 3 4 5 2013 40.28 52.19 60.30 2014 42.19 54.95 62.74 2015 41.65 53.15 61.54 2016 42.21 53.67 61.44 2017 41.93 56.64 64.17 2018 41.89 52.26 62.21 2019 40.66 52.11 59.45 2020 41.94 51.47 59.4 2021 40.44 51.58 58.09 2022 33.98 46.86 56.77 2023 34.76 45.52 55.65 test from 2013 to 2023 95%CI [-1.097, -0.100] [-1.208, -0.235] [-0.981, -0.224] R 2 0.451 0.555 0.590 Adjusted R 2 0.390 0.506 0.544 P*** 0.024 0.008 0.006 Durbin-Watson Test 1.020 1.292 1.047 Statistical tests in 2013 and 2023 P*<0.001 *: chi-square test ***: linear regression test Table 3 shows the prevalence of dental caries among children aged 3 to 5 in Beijing from 2013 to 2023. In 2023, the prevalence of dental caries for 3-, 4-, and 5-year-olds was lower than that in the respective age groups in 2013 (statistically significant differences). Table 4 Status of the dmft index among children aged 3 to 5 years in Beijing, 2013 to 2023 dmft(M ± X) 3 4 5 2013 1.69 ± 2.90 2.45 ± 3.46 3.06 ± 3.79 2014 1.8 ± 2.96 2.66 ± 3.58 3.26 ± 3.87 2015 1.74 ± 2.91 2.55 ± 3.52 3.19 ± 3.83 2016 1.78 ± 2.94 2.59 ± 3.55 3.22 ± 3.88 2017 1.76 ± 2.92 2.77 ± 3.62 3.42 ± 3.93 2018 1.79 ± 2.97 2.53 ± 3.55 3.36 ± 3.98 2019 1.7 ± 2.89 2.52 ± 3.53 3.14 ± 3.87 2020 1.75 ± 2.97 2.42 ± 3.49 3.02 ± 3.79 2021 1.71 ± 2.96 2.5 ± 3.56 3 ± 3.82 2022 1.4 ± 2.69 2.24 ± 3.43 2.97 ± 3.84 2023 1.43 ± 2.72 2.12 ± 3.31 2.87 ± 3.76 test from 2013 to 2023 95%CI [-0.051, -0.005] [-0.067, -0.008] [-0.051, -0.005] R 2 0.457 0.457 0.383 Adjusted R 2 0.397 0.417 0.314 P*** 0.022 0.019 0.042 Durbin-Watson Test 1.215 1.368 0.916 Statistical tests in 2013 and 2023 P**<0.001 ** : nonparametric test (Mann-Whitney U test) ***: linear regression test Table 4 shows the dmft in deciduous teeth among children aged 3 to 5 in Beijing from 2013 to 2023. In 2023, the dmft for 3-, 4-, and 5-year-olds was lower than that in the respective age groups in 2013 (statistically significant differences). Table 5 Status of the dental caries filling ratio among children aged 3 to 5 years in Beijing, 2013 to 2023 The dental caries filling ratio (%) 3 4 5 2013 7.90 13.67 18.92 2014 6.96 13.87 19.52 2015 7.75 13.67 19.73 2016 8.31 14.14 19.89 2017 8.33 15.23 20.66 2018 9.78 16.03 22.60 2019 8.91 16.30 21.65 2020 7.46 12.45 18.80 2021 7.19 11.98 17.40 2022 7.17 12.72 19.49 2023 6.61 11.02 17.27 test from 2013 to 2019 95%CI [0.042, 0.619] [0.279, 0.705] [0.254, 0.837] R 2 0.634 0.876 0.822 Adjusted R 2 0.561 0.851 0.787 P*** 0.032 0.002 0.005 Durbin-Watson Test 2.649 1.108 2.496 test from 2019 to 2023 95%CI [-0.935, -0.043] [-2.402, 0.344] [-2.267, 0.653] R 2 0.802 0.655 0.508 Adjusted R 2 0.736 0.539 0.344 P*** 0.040 0.097 0.177 Durbin-Watson Test 2.026 2.121 2.363 Statistical tests in 2013 and 2019 P*<0.001 P*<0.001 P*<0.001 Statistical tests in 2019 and 2023 P*<0.05 P*<0.001 P*<0.001 *: chi-square test ***: linear regression test Table 5 shows the dental caries filling ratio in deciduous teeth among children aged 3 to 5 in Beijing from 2013 to 2023. In 2013, the dental caries filling ratio for 3-, 4-, and 5-year-olds was lower than that in the respective age groups in 2019 (statistically significant differences), In 2023, the dental caries filling ratio for 3-, 4-, and 5-year-olds was lower than that in the respective age groups in 2019 (statistically significant differences). This line chart shows the trend of caries prevalence in children aged 3 to 5 years in Beijing from 2013 to 2023. Overall, the prevalence of dental caries in children aged 3 to 5 years consistently but gradually decreased. Children aged 3 years had the mildest prevalence of dental caries, whereas children aged 5 years had the most severe dental caries. This line chart shows the trend of the dmft index in children aged 3 to 5 years in Beijing from 2013 to 2023. Overall, the dmft index in children aged 3 to 5 years showed a consistent yet gradual downward trend. Children aged 3 years had the mildest dmft index, whereas children aged 5 years had the most severe dmft index. This line chart shows the trend of the dental caries filling ratio in children aged 3 to 5 years in Beijing from 2013 to 2023. The dental caries filling ratio among children aged 3 to 5 years exhibited an overall increasing trend from 2013 to 2019; however, there has been no significant change since 2020. Children aged 3 years had the lowest dental caries filling ratio, while those aged 5 years had the highest. 4. Discussion Compared with other studies in this field, this study demonstrates a significantly larger sample size. Except 2020, the sample size in most years exceeded 300,000 and remained relatively stable. In both 2013 and 2023, the sample sizes of the 3-, 4-, and 5-year-old age groups accounted for over 70% of the total population within their respective age brackets. Therefore, the sample population can be considered representative of the oral caries status among children of the same age groups in Beijing from 2013 to 2023. The substantial reduction in sample size in 2020 is likely attributable to the impact of the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic on routine medical and public health services [ 9 ] . One of the key challenges during the data collection phase was coordinating a large number of dentists involved in the oral examinations. Although all dentists underwent standardized training, no inter-examiner consistency calibration was performed, which limited the ability to accurately assess the reliability of the examination results. Since 2011, Beijing has implemented sentinel surveillance to monitor the prevalence of deciduous tooth caries among 5-year-old children. This sampling survey adopted the methodology of the third National Oral Epidemiological Survey and passed the consistency calibration with a Kappa value exceeding 0.8. It applied the same caries examination criteria as this study to conduct a representative survey among 5-year-old children in kindergartens. Therefore, its findings are comparable to those of this study. According to the results, the prevalence of dental caries among 5-year-old children in Beijing was 62.9% in the sentinel surveillance in 2014, compared to 62.74% in this study; in 2018, it was 65.3% in the sentinel surveillance and 62.21% in this study [ 10 ] . The differences between the two datasets were minimal. Although this study did not undergo formal consistency testing, its results closely align with those from the sentinel surveillance, thereby providing indirect evidence of the reliability and scientific validity of this study’s findings. This study found that the dental caries filling ratio among 3- to 5-year-old children in Beijing increased to some extent from 2013 to 2019. This trend can be attributed to socioeconomic development and enhanced public awareness of oral health care [ 11 ] . Socioeconomic progress has facilitated improvements in medical resources, leading to greater investment in healthcare services. Additionally, heightened oral health awareness has encouraged parents to seek earlier detection, diagnosis, and treatment of deciduous tooth caries in their children. However, since 2020, the filling rate for this age group has significantly declined. The study speculates that this turning point in 2020 may be related to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic [ 9 ] . Compared with the national average in China, the prevalence of dental caries among 5-year-old children in Beijing was 60.3% in 2013 and decreased to 55.7% in 2023, both of which were lower than the 70.9% prevalence reported for the overall population of 5-year-olds in the country based on the fourth National Oral Health Epidemiological Survey in 2015 [ 5 ] . Regarding the trend of change, the national prevalence of dental caries among 5-year-old children increased from 66% in the third National Oral Health Epidemiological Survey (2005) [ 4 ] to 70.9% in the fourth survey (2015) [ 5 ] , indicating an upward trajectory at the national level. This contrasts sharply with the declining trend observed among 5-year-old children in Beijing in this study. Compared with other provinces and cities in China, the prevalence of dental caries among children aged 3 to 5 years in Beijing in 2023 ranged from 34.8% to 55.7%, which was significantly lower than that observed in many other regions. For example, in 2022, the prevalence among children aged 3 to 5 years in Xiangyun County, Yunnan Province, reached 74.3% [ 12 ] ; in Guangdong Province in 2020, it was 68.3% [ 13 ] ; in Zhejiang Province in 2019, it was 70.4% [ 14 ] ; and in Liaoning Province in the same year, the prevalence among 5-year-olds was as high as 87.3% [ 15 ] . In Shanghai, the prevalence of dental caries in deciduous teeth among 5-year-olds declined from 64.44% in 2011 [ 16 ] to 50.25% in 2018 [ 17 ] . These data indicate that the prevalence of dental caries among preschool children's deciduous teeth remains high across many provinces and cities in China, with a general upward trend nationwide. However, Beijing and Shanghai—two cities characterized by more developed economies and more comprehensive public health systems—not only exhibit prevalence of dental caries below the national average but also demonstrate a declining trend over time, and the prevalence of dental caries among preschool children in Shanghai is even lower than that in Beijing. These observations suggest that regional economic conditions and the maturity of public health infrastructure play a critical role in determining the oral health status of preschool children [ 11 ] . Furthermore, they provide evidence supporting the effectiveness of Beijing’s public health program targeting children aged 3 to 5 years. Compared with the current global situation, the prevalence of dental caries among children aged 3 to 5 years in Beijing is lower than that observed in several developing countries. For example, in India in 2022, the prevalence ranged from 57% to 69.5% [ 18 ] ; in Thailand in 2017, it ranged from 53% to 76% [ 19 ] ; and in Indonesia in 2018, it reached 81% to 90% [ 20 ] . However, the prevalence of dental caries among children aged 3 to 5 in Beijing remains significantly higher than that in Western developed countries. In Australia, for instance, the prevalence among five-year-olds was 34% in 2016 [ 21 ] , while in the UK in 2019, it was as low as 23% [ 22 ] . In Sweden, the prevalence among five-year-olds was 13.1% in 2019. An analysis of the trends in dental caries prevalence among preschool children in developed countries reveals that the prevalence has remained relatively stable or has demonstrated a modest decline in recent years. In the United States, the prevalence of dental caries among young children exhibited minor fluctuations between 2013 and 2018, with prevalence of 19.6% (2013 to 2014), 17.4% (2015 to 2016), and 18.7% (2017 to 2018) [ 23 ] . Japan, a developed country geographically close to China with similar social and dietary habits, provides an interesting comparison in terms of oral health. In 2005, the prevalence of dental caries among 5-year-old children in Japan was 60.5%, compared to 58.6% in Beijing during the same period, showing a relatively similar trend. However, by 2011, 2016, and 2022, the prevalence of dental caries among 5-year-olds in Japan had decreased significantly to 50.0%, 39.0%, and 17.6%, respectively [ 24 ] , which were markedly lower than the corresponding prevalence in Beijing. To explore the underlying reasons, Japan has implemented a comprehensive oral health improvement strategy targeting all age groups at an earlier stage. This includes specific care for pregnant women and children under 5 years old. Research has demonstrated that oral health interventions for pregnant women can influence the caries risk of their future offspring. Furthermore, the Japanese government fully subsidizes dental care costs for children under 5 years old, removing financial barriers to treatment. Additionally, the government conducted mandatory health check-ups for children at 18 months and 3 years of age, achieving acceptance rates of 96.2% and 95.2%, respectively, in 2017. All students from kindergarten through high school undergo annual dental examinations at school, ensuring consistent monitoring of oral health. Moreover, Japan has been an early adopter of fluoride toothpaste and sealants for primary molars as preventive measures against caries [ 11 ] . These findings indicate that effective public health policies play a causal role in improving children's oral health outcomes. Regular oral health monitoring is also essential for the timely identification of children's caries status, facilitating prompt adjustment of intervention strategies, and promoting early detection and treatment of dental caries. This not only indicates that the direction of the public health program for preschool children in Beijing is correct and meaningful, but also shows that there is still a need to learn from advanced countries and further promote and improve public health measures. 5. Conclusions From 2013 to 2023, the prevalence of dental caries in the deciduous teeth of children aged 3 to 5 in Beijing exhibited a general downward trend. This suggests that the public health program for preschool children in Beijing has started to yield preliminary positive outcomes. Declarations Ethics approval and consent to participate The public health program was launched by the Beijing Municipal Government in 2011 as a public health initiative. In this program, children participated in oral health education courses, received dental caries examinations in kindergartens, and then underwent fluoride foam application. Before the oral examinations, written informed consent was obtained from the parents or legal guardians of the participating children. All procedures were conducted in strict compliance with relevant guidelines and regulations. According to Article 2 of the "Measures for the Ethical Review of Biomedical Research Involving Human Beings" (China National Health Commission, 2016), research involving human participants must undergo ethical review; however, this requirement does not apply to routine public health services such as children's health management and chronic disease screening. Consequently, the current study qualifies for ethical exemption. Consent for publication Not applicable. Clinical trial number Not applicable. Competing interests The authors declare that they have no competing interests. Funding This work was supported by the Advanced Public Health Technology Talent Development Program (2022-3-031). Author Contribution C. L. wrote the main manuscript text and prepared figures and tables. M. Z., H. Z., W. C. W. R., and M. L. participated in the acquisition and analysis of the database. All authors reviewed the manuscript. Acknowledgement We thank the children and their parents who participated in the public health program, as well as the dentists who conducted the examinations. Data Availability The data that support the findings of this study are available from the Beijing Municipal Government, but restrictions apply to the availability of these data, which were used under license for the current study, and are not publicly available. Data are, however, available from the authors upon reasonable request and with permission of the Beijing Municipal Government. References American Academy on Pediatric Dentistry, American Academy of Pediatrics. Policy on early childhood caries (ECC): classifications, consequences, and preventive strategies. Pediatr Dent. 2008;30(7 Suppl):40–3. Kagihara LE, Niederhauser VP, Stark M. Assessment, management, and prevention of early childhood caries. J Am Acad Nurse Pract. 2009;21(1):1–10. Marthaler TM. Changes in dental caries 1953–2003. Caries Res. 2004;38(3):173–81. 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Longitudinal changes of deciduous teeth caries in 5-year-old children in Beijing from 2011 to 2022 . https://doi.org/10.20049/j.bjkqyx.1006-673X.2024.03.011 Chen J, Duangthip D, Gao SS, et al. Oral Health Policies to Tackle the Burden of Early Childhood Caries: A Review of 14 Countries/Regions. Front Oral Health. 2021;2:670154. Liu M, Song Q, Xu X, Lai G. Early childhood caries prevalence and associated factors among preschoolers aged 3–5 years in Xiangyun, China: A cross-sectional study. Front Public Health. 2022;10:959125. Li J, Fan W, Zhou Y, Wu L, Liu W, Huang S. The status and associated factors of early childhood caries among 3- to 5-year-old children in Guangdong, Southern China: a provincial cross-sectional survey. BMC Oral Health. 2020;20(1):265. Zhou N, Zhu H, Chen Y, et al. Dental caries and associated factors in 3 to 5-year-old children in Zhejiang Province, China: an epidemiological survey. BMC Oral Health. 2019;19(1):9. Zhang K, Li J, Lu Z. 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Epidemiological Profiles of Early Childhood Caries. Front Public Health. 2019;7:210. Do LG, Harford JE, Ha DH, Spencer AJ. Australian Children’s General Health Behaviours. Adelaide, SA: University of Adelaide; 2016. Public Health England. (2020, October 26). NDEP National Dental Epidemiology Programme for England: Oral Health Survey of 5-year-Olds 2019 . Https://Assets.Publishing.Service.Gov.Uk /Government/Uploads/System/Uploads/Attachment_data/File/873492/NDEP_for_England_OH_Survey_5yr_2019_v1.0.Pdf Kotha A, Vemulapalli A, Mandapati SR, Aryal S. Prevalence, Trends, and Severity of Early Childhood Caries in The United States: National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey Data 2013 to 2018. Pediatr Dent. 2022;44(4):261–8. (2024, August 26). National Survey of Dental Diseases . Https: //Www.e Portal Site of Official Statistics of Japan, Stat-Search -StatGJ. /Files?Page = 1&layout = datalist&toukei = 00450131&tstat = 000001104615&cycle = 0&result_page = 1&tclass1val = 0. Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. Cite Share Download PDF Status: Published Journal Publication published 19 Mar, 2026 Read the published version in BMC Oral Health → Version 1 posted Editorial decision: Revision requested 15 Feb, 2026 Reviews received at journal 10 Feb, 2026 Reviews received at journal 10 Feb, 2026 Reviews received at journal 30 Jan, 2026 Reviewers agreed at journal 29 Jan, 2026 Reviewers agreed at journal 26 Jan, 2026 Reviewers agreed at journal 25 Jan, 2026 Reviewers agreed at journal 25 Jan, 2026 Reviewers agreed at journal 23 Jan, 2026 Reviewers agreed at journal 23 Jan, 2026 Reviewers invited by journal 23 Jan, 2026 Editor invited by journal 22 Dec, 2025 Editor assigned by journal 22 Nov, 2025 Submission checks completed at journal 22 Nov, 2025 First submitted to journal 20 Nov, 2025 You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. 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Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-8162814","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":580184146,"identity":"09ed0682-0601-4a05-b002-c684ae96e609","order_by":0,"name":"Chang Liu","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Beijing Stomatological Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Chang","middleName":"","lastName":"Liu","suffix":""},{"id":580184149,"identity":"ba9cd193-648e-4492-b232-eb9efa40e231","order_by":1,"name":"Mei Zhao","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Beijing Stomatological Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Mei","middleName":"","lastName":"Zhao","suffix":""},{"id":580184150,"identity":"adc4080d-a2e4-4561-815c-af2d1dc4a2ed","order_by":2,"name":"Hui Zhang","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Beijing Stomatological Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Hui","middleName":"","lastName":"Zhang","suffix":""},{"id":580184152,"identity":"b6cc93e0-8cce-46f4-8e34-ea092b88763f","order_by":3,"name":"Wei Chen","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Beijing Stomatological Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Wei","middleName":"","lastName":"Chen","suffix":""},{"id":580184153,"identity":"aed38cb0-b3cb-4a0f-a64a-6c09de6f8fd1","order_by":4,"name":"Wen Ren","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Beijing Stomatological Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Wen","middleName":"","lastName":"Ren","suffix":""},{"id":580184154,"identity":"63c9bd5f-8b3c-45b6-9f34-be4fe2b6e5cd","order_by":5,"name":"Min Liu","email":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAZAAAAAyAQMAAABI0h/eAAAABlBMVEX///8AAABVwtN+AAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAAzUlEQVRIiWNgGAWjYFCCBAaJDz8kmPmZmQ8/IFqL5MweC3bJdrY0A6K1SPOwVfAbnOdRkCBKg3x7juENHh4JaePDPAwGDDU20QS1GJx5Y2whYSFhbHaY98ADhmNpuQ0EtUjkmEkY8Egkmx3mSzBgbDhMWIv8DKCWBDaJ+s3NPAYSRGlhuAHUcoBNgtmAmVgtBmeeFVs29kgwSxwGBnICMX6Rb0/eePvPjzpm/v7Dhx98qLEhwmEMHEgRmEBYOQiwPyBO3SgYBaNgFIxcAACU2zqZ47KgxwAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==","orcid":"","institution":"Beijing Stomatological Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"Min","middleName":"","lastName":"Liu","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2025-11-20 09:23:20","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-8162814/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-8162814/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[{"content":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-026-08131-x","type":"published","date":"2026-03-19T15:58:43+00:00"}],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":101274920,"identity":"5627e485-0aa6-41b4-8745-58945d13d90e","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-01-28 03:13:49","extension":"png","order_by":1,"title":"Figure 1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":138094,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eTrend chart of the prevalence of dental caries among children aged 3 to 5 years in Beijing, 2013 to 2023\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"figure1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8162814/v1/487bfd05b816c006e1235c61.png"},{"id":101297943,"identity":"873ac94c-1f7c-40f0-9c5a-11ae189481ef","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-01-28 09:29:25","extension":"png","order_by":2,"title":"Figure 2","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":118151,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eTrend chart of the dmft index among children aged 3 to 5 years in Beijing, 2013 to 2023\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"figure2.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8162814/v1/34aa199874da42b9e86312f5.png"},{"id":101274923,"identity":"b3620d29-89c8-48d5-9a7b-7a27965b9a13","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-01-28 03:13:49","extension":"png","order_by":3,"title":"Figure 3","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":138802,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eTrend chart of the dental caries filling ratio among children aged 3 to 5 years in Beijing, 2013 to 2023\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"figure3.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8162814/v1/ca50488b5a2db55d12d05145.png"},{"id":105223351,"identity":"0ad5ed3b-aca5-4653-96a6-caeaebf7525a","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-03-23 16:04:43","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":1436858,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8162814/v1/dc6c0377-d02d-4436-ba26-5562d68b6fb6.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"Trends and Prevalence of Dental Caries in Children Aged 3 to 5 Years in Beijing, 2013 to 2023: A Cross-Sectional Study","fulltext":[{"header":"1. Background","content":"\u003cp\u003eEarly childhood caries (ECC), a chronic noncommunicable disease, is defined as \"the presence of one or more decayed (nonactivated or cavitated lesions), missing or filled (due to caries) surfaces, in any primary tooth of a child under six years of age\u0026rdquo;\u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e. The prevalence of dental caries is quite high among all diseases affecting children, posing significant risks not only to oral health but also to overall growth and development. Furthermore, it adversely impacts mental health and social skills\u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e. Since the 1960s, there has been a notable decline in the prevalence of caries among young children in economically advanced Western countries with well-established social and medical security systems\u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e. However, this trend does not apply to China\u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e. Over the past two decades, with economic growth and improved living standards in China, the prevalence of dental caries among young children has remained high. According to national oral health surveys of China, the prevalence of dental caries in deciduous teeth for five-year-olds increased from 66% in 2005\u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003eto 70.9% in 2015\u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e. In response to this public health challenge, the Beijing Municipal Government launched a public health program in 2011 targeting children aged 3 to 6 years. The program involves conducting annual oral examinations, applying fluoride treatments twice a year, and delivering comprehensive health education in all kindergartens across Beijing. The objective of this study was to analyze trends in caries prevalence among children aged 3 to 5 years in Beijing from 2013 to 2023 by utilizing data from the annual oral examination database associated with the public health program. Additionally, the study seeks to indirectly assess the effectiveness of public health programs targeting preschool children in Beijing.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"2. Methods","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.1. Study design and population\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis study focuses on the analysis of oral examination data from the study population. The study population consisted of children aged 3 to 5 who participated in the public health program in kindergartens across 16 districts of Beijing from 2013 to 2023. The years range from 2013 to 2023, a total of 11 years. The districts include all 16 districts of Beijing: Dongcheng, Xicheng, Chaoyang, Fengtai, Shijingshan, Haidian, Tongzhou, Fangshan, Shunyi, Changping, Daxing, Mentougou, Huairou, Pinggu, Miyun, and Yanqing District. Each district contains a considerable number of people. Before the implementation of this public health program, informed consent was obtained from the children's guardians through signed consent forms. Subsequently, the children participated in oral health education sessions, underwent dental caries examinations within the kindergarten setting, and then underwent fluoride foam application. This study encompassed a total population of 1017834 children in the 3-year-old age group, 1358720 children in the 4-year-old age group, and 1204054 children in the 5-year-old age group from 2013 to 2023.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec4\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.2. Oral examination\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eFrom 2013 to 2023, about hundreds of qualified and trained dentists from the 16 districts of Beijing annually conducted oral examinations for children participating in the program. Before the implementation of the program every year, the dentists underwent standardized training; however, no formal consistency calibration was performed, resulting in the absence of Kappa values. Previous studies conducted in Beijing have demonstrated the accuracy and reliability of the oral examination results. In practice, dentists conducted oral examinations for children under artificial lighting in kindergarten classrooms, using oral mirrors and CPI probes. Caries was diagnosed according to the World Health Organization\u0026rsquo;s \"Standards for Epidemiological Investigation\" (Fourth Edition)\u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec5\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.3. Data processing\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eAll examination results, after undergoing standardized quality control to ensure completeness and logical consistency, were uploaded to the Beijing oral public health network data center. Subsequently, individual sensitive information (e.g., names, kindergarten details, contact information, etc.) was anonymized via the network center, and the data were then downloaded into Excel format for further analysis. Thereafter, statistical analysis was carried out with SPSS 27.0. The key indicators are the prevalence of dental caries (the percentage of children affected by dental caries), the dmft index (the average number of decayed, missing, or filled deciduous teeth), and the dental caries filling ratio(ft/dmft). The chi-square test was used to compare the differences in the prevalence of dental caries and the dental caries filling ratio among different groups; nonparametric tests (Mann-Whitney U test) were used to evaluate the differences in means among different groups. The statistical significance of the changing trend was assessed using linear regression analysis. The statistical test level was α\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.05.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"3. Results","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec7\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e3.1. Demographic information of the study sample\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e provides the demographic information of the study sample stratified by year, age, and gender. Table\u0026nbsp;2 provides a comparative analysis of the demographic composition of the sample population aged 3 to 5 years in 2013 and 2023, juxtaposed with the demographic composition of children aged 0 to 3 years, as reported in the 2010\u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e and 2020 census\u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e data for Beijing. The sample populations in 2013 and 2023 comprised 79.8% and 76.41%, respectively, of the total population of the same age group in Beijing, and the male-to-female ratio in the same age group is consistent.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3.2. The trend of the prevalence of dental caries among children aged 3\u003c/strong\u003e to \u003cstrong\u003e5 years in Beijing from 2013 to 2023\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e and Figs.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e shows the prevalence of dental caries among children aged 3 to 5 years in Beijing from 2013 to 2023. In 2023, the prevalence of dental caries for children aged 3 to 5 years was 34.76%, 45.52%, and 55.65%, respectively, which were lower than the corresponding rates of 40.3%, 52.2%, and 60.3% reported in 2013 (chi-square test, P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001). Overall, the prevalence of dental caries in children aged 3 to 5 years exhibited a consistent and gradual downward trend (linear regression test, P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3.3. The trend of the dmft index among children aged 3 to 5 years in Beijing from 2013 to 2023\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e and Figs.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e shows the dmft index among children aged 3 to 5 years in Beijing from 2013 to 2023. In 2023, the dmft index for children aged 3 to 5 was 1.43\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.715, 2.12\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.312, and 2.87\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.785, respectively, representing significant decreases from the values of 1.69\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.896, 2.45\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.454, and 3.06\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.793 recorded in 2013 [nonparametric test (Mann-Whitney U test), P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001]. Overall, the dmft index in children aged 3 to 5 years followed a trend similar to that of the prevalence of dental caries, exhibiting a consistent and gradual downward trend (linear regression test, P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3.4. The trend of the dental caries filling ratio among children aged 3 to 5 years in Beijing from 2013 to 2023\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e and Figs.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e shows the dental caries filling ratio among children aged 3 to 5 years in Beijing from 2013 to 2023. The dental caries filling ratio among children aged 3 to 5 years exhibited an overall upward trend from 2013 to 2019(linear regression test, P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05). Specifically, the peak filling rates for the 3-, 4-, and 5-year-old age groups were observed in 2018 or 2019, the dental caries filling ratio for children aged 3, 4, and 5 years increased from 7.9%, 13.7%, and 18.9% in 2013 to 8.9%, 16.3%, and 21.7% in 2019 (P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05), respectively.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, the dental caries filling ratio decreased from 8.9%, 16.3%, and 21.7% in 2019 to 6.6%, 11.0%, and 17.3% in 2023 for the 3-, 4-, and 5-year-old age groups, respectively (P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001) and the dental caries filling ratio among children aged 4, and 5 years exhibited no statistically significant trend from 2020 to 2023. (linear regression test, P \u0026gt; 0.05). The dental caries filling ratio among children aged 3 exhibited a declining trend from 2020 to 2023 (linear regression test, P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAppendix To Tables and Figures\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"colspec\" align=\"char\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ctable id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 1\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe population data for the study from 2013 to 2023\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003c/caption\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth rowspan=\"2\" align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth colspan=\"3\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3 years old\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth colspan=\"3\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4 years old\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth colspan=\"3\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5 years old\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003emale\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003efemale\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003etotal\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003emale\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003efemale\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003etotal\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003emale\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003efemale\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003etotal\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003etotal for the year\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2013\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e54859\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e51312\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e106171\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e62803\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e57191\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e119994\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e56159\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e51020\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e107179\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e333344\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2014\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e52804\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e49254\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e102058\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e59349\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e54891\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e114240\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e51257\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e46269\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e97526\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e313824\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2015\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e63227\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e59617\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e122844\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e61031\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e56381\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e117412\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e54022\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e59699\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e113721\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e353977\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2016\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e57630\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e54700\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e112330\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e65575\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e60958\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e126533\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e47975\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e44155\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e92130\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e330993\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2017\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e48014\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e46063\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e94077\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e62544\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e58721\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e121265\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e53447\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e49741\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e103188\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e318530\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2018\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e46750\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e43937\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e90687\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e60058\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e55591\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e115649\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e51668\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e47893\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e99561\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e305897\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2019\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e44935\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e42184\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e87119\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e70602\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e65110\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e135712\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e60643\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e55944\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e116587\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e339418\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2020\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e21634\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e21010\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e42644\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e29882\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e28784\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e58666\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e20176\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e19144\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e39320\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e140630\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2021\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e42697\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e39449\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e81846\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e83930\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e77885\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e161815\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e64604\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e59812\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e124416\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e368077\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2022\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e34671\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e32489\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e67160\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e68602\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e64819\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e133421\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e79935\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e75899\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e155834\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e356415\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2023\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e57094\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e53804\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e110898\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e79941\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e74072\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e154013\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e79696\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e74896\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e154592\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e419503\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003etotal for the age group\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1017834\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1358720\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1204054\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"colspec\" align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"colspec\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTable 1 presents the demographic data of this study from the perspectives of year, age group, and gender.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ctable id=\"Tab2\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;2\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eComparison between the study sample and the population of the same age in Beijing\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003c/caption\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth colspan=\"4\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChildren aged 3 to 5 years in this study (2023)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth colspan=\"4\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCensus Citywide children 0 to 2 years old (2020)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth rowspan=\"2\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSample as a percentage of the citywide population of the same age (%)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAge Group\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003emale\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003efemale\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSubtotal\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSex ratio (male-to-female)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAge Group\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003emale\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003efemale\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSubtotal\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSex ratio (male-to-female)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3 years old\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e57094\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e53804\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e110898\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e106.1%\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0 years old\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e79388\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e73342\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e152730\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e108.2%\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e72.6\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4 years old\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e79941\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e74072\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e154013\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e107.9%\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1 year old\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e101767\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e94413\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e196180\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e107.8%\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e78.5\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5 years old\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e79696\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e74896\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e154592\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e106.4%\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2 years old\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e103623\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e96492\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e200115\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e107.4%\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e77.3\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e216731\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e202772\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e419503\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e106.9%\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e284778\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e264247\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e549025\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e107.8%\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e76.4\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"4\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChildren aged 3 to 5 in this study (2013)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"4\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCensus City children 0 to 2 years old (2010)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd rowspan=\"2\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSample as a percentage of the citywide population of the same age (%)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAge Group\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003emale\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003efemale\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSubtotal\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSex ratio (male-to-female)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAge Group\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003emale\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003efemale\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSubtotal\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSex ratio (male-to-female)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3 years old\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e54859\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e51312\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e106171\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e106.9%\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0 years old\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e77456\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e70080\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e147536\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e110.5%\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e91.6\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4 years old\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e62803\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e57191\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e119994\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e109.8%\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1 year old\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e63867\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e56572\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e120619\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e112.9%\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e78.3\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5 years old\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e56159\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e51020\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e107179\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e110.1%\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2 years old\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e59895\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e53314\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e113209\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e112.3%\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e72.1\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e173821\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e159523\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e333344\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e109.0%\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e201218\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e180146\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e381364\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e111.7%\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e79.8\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sample size composition of the 3 to 5-year-old age group in 2013 and 2023 and the corresponding total population of the 0\u0026ndash;to 2-year-old age group in the 2010 and 2020 Beijing censuses are shown in the table. The sample size of each age group ranged from 3 to 5 years, and the overall sample size accounted for more than 70% of the total population of the same age group in the city.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"colspec\" align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ctable id=\"Tab3\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 3\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStatus of the prevalence of dental caries among children aged 3 to 5 years in Beijing, 2013 to 2023\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003c/caption\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth rowspan=\"2\" align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth colspan=\"3\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe prevalence of dental caries\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2013\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e40.28\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e52.19\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e60.30\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2014\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e42.19\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e54.95\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e62.74\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2015\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e41.65\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e53.15\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e61.54\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2016\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e42.21\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e53.67\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e61.44\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2017\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e41.93\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e56.64\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e64.17\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2018\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e41.89\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e52.26\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e62.21\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2019\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e40.66\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e52.11\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e59.45\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2020\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e41.94\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e51.47\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e59.4\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2021\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e40.44\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e51.58\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e58.09\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2022\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e33.98\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e46.86\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e56.77\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2023\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e34.76\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e45.52\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e55.65\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"4\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003etest from 2013 to 2023\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e95%CI\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[-1.097, -0.100]\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[-1.208, -0.235]\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[-0.981, -0.224]\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eR\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.451\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.555\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.590\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdjusted R\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.390\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.506\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.544\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eP***\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.024\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.008\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.006\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDurbin-Watson Test\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.020\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.292\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.047\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStatistical tests in 2013 and 2023\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"3\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eP*\u0026lt;0.001\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003ctfoot\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"4\"\u003e*: chi-square test\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"4\"\u003e***: linear regression test\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tfoot\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e shows the prevalence of dental caries among children aged 3 to 5 in Beijing from 2013 to 2023. In 2023, the prevalence of dental caries for 3-, 4-, and 5-year-olds was lower than that in the respective age groups in 2013 (statistically significant differences).\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"colspec\" align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ctable id=\"Tab4\" style=\"width: 502px;\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 4\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStatus of the dmft index among children aged 3 to 5 years in Beijing, 2013 to 2023\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003c/caption\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"width: 186px;\" rowspan=\"2\" align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"width: 279px;\" colspan=\"3\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003edmft(M\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;X)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"width: 91px;\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"width: 90.8264px;\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"width: 91px;\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 186px;\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2013\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 91px;\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.69\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.90\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 90.8264px;\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2.45\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.46\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 91px;\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3.06\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.79\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 186px;\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2014\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 91px;\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.8\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.96\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 90.8264px;\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2.66\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.58\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 91px;\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3.26\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.87\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 186px;\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2015\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 91px;\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.74\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.91\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 90.8264px;\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2.55\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.52\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 91px;\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3.19\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.83\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 186px;\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2016\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 91px;\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.78\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.94\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 90.8264px;\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2.59\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.55\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 91px;\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3.22\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.88\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 186px;\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2017\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 91px;\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.76\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.92\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 90.8264px;\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2.77\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.62\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 91px;\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3.42\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.93\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 186px;\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2018\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 91px;\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.79\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.97\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 90.8264px;\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2.53\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.55\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 91px;\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3.36\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.98\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 186px;\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2019\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 91px;\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.7\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.89\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 90.8264px;\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2.52\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.53\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 91px;\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3.14\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.87\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 186px;\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2020\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 91px;\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.75\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.97\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 90.8264px;\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2.42\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.49\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 91px;\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3.02\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.79\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 186px;\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2021\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 91px;\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.71\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.96\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 90.8264px;\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2.5\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.56\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 91px;\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.82\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 186px;\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2022\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 91px;\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.4\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.69\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 90.8264px;\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2.24\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.43\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 91px;\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2.97\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.84\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 186px;\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2023\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 91px;\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.43\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.72\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 90.8264px;\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2.12\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.31\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 91px;\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2.87\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.76\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 465px;\" colspan=\"4\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003etest from 2013 to 2023\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 186px;\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e95%CI\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 91px;\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[-0.051, -0.005]\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 90.8264px;\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[-0.067, -0.008]\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 91px;\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[-0.051, -0.005]\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 186px;\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eR\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 91px;\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.457\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 90.8264px;\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.457\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 91px;\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.383\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 186px;\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdjusted R\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 91px;\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.397\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 90.8264px;\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.417\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 91px;\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.314\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 186px;\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eP***\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 91px;\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.022\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 90.8264px;\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.019\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 91px;\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.042\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 186px;\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDurbin-Watson Test\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 91px;\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.215\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 90.8264px;\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.368\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 91px;\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.916\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 186px;\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStatistical tests in 2013 and 2023\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 279px;\" colspan=\"3\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eP**\u0026lt;0.001\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003ctfoot\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 465px;\" colspan=\"4\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e**\u003c/strong\u003e: nonparametric test (Mann-Whitney U test)\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 465px;\" colspan=\"4\"\u003e***: linear regression test\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tfoot\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e shows the dmft in deciduous teeth among children aged 3 to 5 in Beijing from 2013 to 2023. In 2023, the dmft for 3-, 4-, and 5-year-olds was lower than that in the respective age groups in 2013 (statistically significant differences).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"colspec\" align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ctable id=\"Tab5\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 5\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStatus of the dental caries filling ratio among children aged 3 to 5 years in Beijing, 2013 to 2023\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003c/caption\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth rowspan=\"2\" align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth colspan=\"3\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe dental caries filling ratio (%)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2013\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e7.90\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e13.67\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e18.92\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2014\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e6.96\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e13.87\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e19.52\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2015\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e7.75\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e13.67\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e19.73\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2016\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e8.31\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e14.14\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e19.89\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2017\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e8.33\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e15.23\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e20.66\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2018\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e9.78\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e16.03\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e22.60\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2019\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e8.91\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e16.30\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e21.65\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2020\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e7.46\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e12.45\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e18.80\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2021\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e7.19\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e11.98\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e17.40\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2022\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e7.17\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e12.72\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e19.49\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2023\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e6.61\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e11.02\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e17.27\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"4\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003etest from 2013 to 2019\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e95%CI\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[0.042, 0.619]\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[0.279, 0.705]\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[0.254, 0.837]\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eR\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.634\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.876\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.822\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdjusted R\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.561\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.851\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.787\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eP***\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.032\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.002\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.005\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDurbin-Watson Test\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2.649\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.108\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2.496\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"4\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003etest from 2019 to 2023\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e95%CI\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[-0.935, -0.043]\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[-2.402, 0.344]\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[-2.267, 0.653]\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eR\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.802\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.655\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.508\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdjusted R\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.736\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.539\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.344\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eP***\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.040\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.097\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.177\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDurbin-Watson Test\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2.026\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2.121\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2.363\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStatistical tests in 2013 and 2019\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eP*\u0026lt;0.001\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eP*\u0026lt;0.001\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eP*\u0026lt;0.001\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStatistical tests in 2019 and 2023\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eP*\u0026lt;0.05\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eP*\u0026lt;0.001\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eP*\u0026lt;0.001\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003ctfoot\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"4\"\u003e*: chi-square test\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"4\"\u003e***: linear regression test\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tfoot\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e shows the dental caries filling ratio in deciduous teeth among children aged 3 to 5 in Beijing from 2013 to 2023. In 2013, the dental caries filling ratio for 3-, 4-, and 5-year-olds was lower than that in the respective age groups in 2019 (statistically significant differences), In 2023, the dental caries filling ratio for 3-, 4-, and 5-year-olds was lower than that in the respective age groups in 2019 (statistically significant differences).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis line chart shows the trend of caries prevalence in children aged 3 to 5 years in Beijing from 2013 to 2023. Overall, the prevalence of dental caries in children aged 3 to 5 years consistently but gradually decreased. Children aged 3 years had the mildest prevalence of dental caries, whereas children aged 5 years had the most severe dental caries.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis line chart shows the trend of the dmft index in children aged 3 to 5 years in Beijing from 2013 to 2023. Overall, the dmft index in children aged 3 to 5 years showed a consistent yet gradual downward trend. Children aged 3 years had the mildest dmft index, whereas children aged 5 years had the most severe dmft index.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis line chart shows the trend of the dental caries filling ratio in children aged 3 to 5 years in Beijing from 2013 to 2023. The dental caries filling ratio among children aged 3 to 5 years exhibited an overall increasing trend from 2013 to 2019; however, there has been no significant change since 2020. Children aged 3 years had the lowest dental caries filling ratio, while those aged 5 years had the highest.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"4. Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003eCompared with other studies in this field, this study demonstrates a significantly larger sample size. Except 2020, the sample size in most years exceeded 300,000 and remained relatively stable. In both 2013 and 2023, the sample sizes of the 3-, 4-, and 5-year-old age groups accounted for over 70% of the total population within their respective age brackets. Therefore, the sample population can be considered representative of the oral caries status among children of the same age groups in Beijing from 2013 to 2023. The substantial reduction in sample size in 2020 is likely attributable to the impact of the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic on routine medical and public health services\u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e. One of the key challenges during the data collection phase was coordinating a large number of dentists involved in the oral examinations. Although all dentists underwent standardized training, no inter-examiner consistency calibration was performed, which limited the ability to accurately assess the reliability of the examination results. Since 2011, Beijing has implemented sentinel surveillance to monitor the prevalence of deciduous tooth caries among 5-year-old children. This sampling survey adopted the methodology of the third National Oral Epidemiological Survey and passed the consistency calibration with a Kappa value exceeding 0.8. It applied the same caries examination criteria as this study to conduct a representative survey among 5-year-old children in kindergartens. Therefore, its findings are comparable to those of this study. According to the results, the prevalence of dental caries among 5-year-old children in Beijing was 62.9% in the sentinel surveillance in 2014, compared to 62.74% in this study; in 2018, it was 65.3% in the sentinel surveillance and 62.21% in this study\u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e. The differences between the two datasets were minimal. Although this study did not undergo formal consistency testing, its results closely align with those from the sentinel surveillance, thereby providing indirect evidence of the reliability and scientific validity of this study\u0026rsquo;s findings.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis study found that the dental caries filling ratio among 3- to 5-year-old children in Beijing increased to some extent from 2013 to 2019. This trend can be attributed to socioeconomic development and enhanced public awareness of oral health care\u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e. Socioeconomic progress has facilitated improvements in medical resources, leading to greater investment in healthcare services. Additionally, heightened oral health awareness has encouraged parents to seek earlier detection, diagnosis, and treatment of deciduous tooth caries in their children. However, since 2020, the filling rate for this age group has significantly declined. The study speculates that this turning point in 2020 may be related to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic\u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCompared with the national average in China, the prevalence of dental caries among 5-year-old children in Beijing was 60.3% in 2013 and decreased to 55.7% in 2023, both of which were lower than the 70.9% prevalence reported for the overall population of 5-year-olds in the country based on the fourth National Oral Health Epidemiological Survey in 2015\u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e. Regarding the trend of change, the national prevalence of dental caries among 5-year-old children increased from 66% in the third National Oral Health Epidemiological Survey (2005)\u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e to 70.9% in the fourth survey (2015)\u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e, indicating an upward trajectory at the national level. This contrasts sharply with the declining trend observed among 5-year-old children in Beijing in this study.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCompared with other provinces and cities in China, the prevalence of dental caries among children aged 3 to 5 years in Beijing in 2023 ranged from 34.8% to 55.7%, which was significantly lower than that observed in many other regions. For example, in 2022, the prevalence among children aged 3 to 5 years in Xiangyun County, Yunnan Province, reached 74.3%\u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e; in Guangdong Province in 2020, it was 68.3%\u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e13\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e; in Zhejiang Province in 2019, it was 70.4%\u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e; and in Liaoning Province in the same year, the prevalence among 5-year-olds was as high as 87.3%\u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e15\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e. In Shanghai, the prevalence of dental caries in deciduous teeth among 5-year-olds declined from 64.44% in 2011\u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e16\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003eto 50.25% in 2018\u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e. These data indicate that the prevalence of dental caries among preschool children's deciduous teeth remains high across many provinces and cities in China, with a general upward trend nationwide. However, Beijing and Shanghai\u0026mdash;two cities characterized by more developed economies and more comprehensive public health systems\u0026mdash;not only exhibit prevalence of dental caries below the national average but also demonstrate a declining trend over time, and the prevalence of dental caries among preschool children in Shanghai is even lower than that in Beijing. These observations suggest that regional economic conditions and the maturity of public health infrastructure play a critical role in determining the oral health status of preschool children\u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e. Furthermore, they provide evidence supporting the effectiveness of Beijing\u0026rsquo;s public health program targeting children aged 3 to 5 years.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCompared with the current global situation, the prevalence of dental caries among children aged 3 to 5 years in Beijing is lower than that observed in several developing countries. For example, in India in 2022, the prevalence ranged from 57% to 69.5%\u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e; in Thailand in 2017, it ranged from 53% to 76%\u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e19\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e; and in Indonesia in 2018, it reached 81% to 90%\u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e20\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e. However, the prevalence of dental caries among children aged 3 to 5 in Beijing remains significantly higher than that in Western developed countries. In Australia, for instance, the prevalence among five-year-olds was 34% in 2016\u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e21\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e, while in the UK in 2019, it was as low as 23%\u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e22\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e. In Sweden, the prevalence among five-year-olds was 13.1% in 2019. An analysis of the trends in dental caries prevalence among preschool children in developed countries reveals that the prevalence has remained relatively stable or has demonstrated a modest decline in recent years. In the United States, the prevalence of dental caries among young children exhibited minor fluctuations between 2013 and 2018, with prevalence of 19.6% (2013 to 2014), 17.4% (2015 to 2016), and 18.7% (2017 to 2018)\u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e23\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e. Japan, a developed country geographically close to China with similar social and dietary habits, provides an interesting comparison in terms of oral health. In 2005, the prevalence of dental caries among 5-year-old children in Japan was 60.5%, compared to 58.6% in Beijing during the same period, showing a relatively similar trend. However, by 2011, 2016, and 2022, the prevalence of dental caries among 5-year-olds in Japan had decreased significantly to 50.0%, 39.0%, and 17.6%, respectively\u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e24\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e, which were markedly lower than the corresponding prevalence in Beijing. To explore the underlying reasons, Japan has implemented a comprehensive oral health improvement strategy targeting all age groups at an earlier stage. This includes specific care for pregnant women and children under 5 years old. Research has demonstrated that oral health interventions for pregnant women can influence the caries risk of their future offspring. Furthermore, the Japanese government fully subsidizes dental care costs for children under 5 years old, removing financial barriers to treatment. Additionally, the government conducted mandatory health check-ups for children at 18 months and 3 years of age, achieving acceptance rates of 96.2% and 95.2%, respectively, in 2017. All students from kindergarten through high school undergo annual dental examinations at school, ensuring consistent monitoring of oral health. Moreover, Japan has been an early adopter of fluoride toothpaste and sealants for primary molars as preventive measures against caries\u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e. These findings indicate that effective public health policies play a causal role in improving children's oral health outcomes. Regular oral health monitoring is also essential for the timely identification of children's caries status, facilitating prompt adjustment of intervention strategies, and promoting early detection and treatment of dental caries. This not only indicates that the direction of the public health program for preschool children in Beijing is correct and meaningful, but also shows that there is still a need to learn from advanced countries and further promote and improve public health measures.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"5. Conclusions","content":"\u003cp\u003eFrom 2013 to 2023, the prevalence of dental caries in the deciduous teeth of children aged 3 to 5 in Beijing exhibited a general downward trend. This suggests that the public health program for preschool children in Beijing has started to yield preliminary positive outcomes.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":" \u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eEthics approval and consent to participate\u003c/strong\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe public health program was launched by the Beijing Municipal Government in 2011 as a public health initiative. In this program, children participated in oral health education courses, received dental caries examinations in kindergartens, and then underwent fluoride foam application. Before the oral examinations, written informed consent was obtained from the parents or legal guardians of the participating children. All procedures were conducted in strict compliance with relevant guidelines and regulations. According to Article 2 of the \"Measures for the Ethical Review of Biomedical Research Involving Human Beings\" (China National Health Commission, 2016), research involving human participants must undergo ethical review; however, this requirement does not apply to routine public health services such as children's health management and chronic disease screening. Consequently, the current study qualifies for ethical exemption.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eConsent for publication\u003c/strong\u003e \u003cp\u003eNot applicable.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003ch2\u003eClinical trial number\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eNot applicable.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003ch2\u003eCompeting interests\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe authors declare that they have no competing interests.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFunding\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis work was supported by the Advanced Public Health Technology Talent Development Program (2022-3-031).\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAuthor Contribution\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eC. L. wrote the main manuscript text and prepared figures and tables. M. Z., H. Z., W. C. W. R., and M. L. participated in the acquisition and analysis of the database. All authors reviewed the manuscript.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAcknowledgement\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eWe thank the children and their parents who participated in the public health program, as well as the dentists who conducted the examinations.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eData Availability\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe data that support the findings of this study are available from the Beijing Municipal Government, but restrictions apply to the availability of these data, which were used under license for the current study, and are not publicly available. Data are, however, available from the authors upon reasonable request and with permission of the Beijing Municipal Government.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAmerican Academy on Pediatric Dentistry, American Academy of Pediatrics. Policy on early childhood caries (ECC): classifications, consequences, and preventive strategies. Pediatr Dent. 2008;30(7 Suppl):40\u0026ndash;3.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKagihara LE, Niederhauser VP, Stark M. Assessment, management, and prevention of early childhood caries. J Am Acad Nurse Pract. 2009;21(1):1\u0026ndash;10.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMarthaler TM. Changes in dental caries 1953\u0026ndash;2003. Caries Res. 2004;38(3):173\u0026ndash;81.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eQi XQ. The third national sampling epidemiological survey on oral health. Beijing: People\u0026rsquo;s Health Publishing House; 2008.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eXing W. The Report on the Fourth National Oral Health Survey. Beijing: The People\u0026rsquo;s Health Publishing House; 2018.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHealth Organization. (1997). 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Https:\u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003e//Www.e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"http:////Www.e\" targettype=\"URL\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003ePortal Site of Official Statistics of Japan, Stat-Search -StatGJ. /Files?Page\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;1\u0026amp;layout\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;datalist\u0026amp;toukei\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;00450131\u0026amp;tstat\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;000001104615\u0026amp;cycle\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0\u0026amp;result_page\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;1\u0026amp;tclass1val\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":false,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":true,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"bmc-oral-health","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"ohea","sideBox":"Learn more about [BMC Oral Health](http://bmcoralhealth.biomedcentral.com/)","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"https://www.editorialmanager.com/ohea/default.aspx","title":"BMC Oral Health","twitterHandle":"BMC_series","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"em","reportingPortfolio":"BMC Series","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"dental public health, early childhood caries, epidemiological study, trend","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-8162814/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-8162814/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBackground\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis study aimed to explore the trends and prevalence of dental caries in children aged 3 to 5 years in Beijing from 2013 to 2023.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMethods\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA cross-sectional study was conducted by analyzing oral examination data derived from the Beijing public health program for children aged 3 to 5 years in Beijing over an 11-year period from 2013 to 2023. The diagnosis of dental caries adhered strictly to the epidemiological survey standards set by the World Health Organization. The dmft index, the prevalence of dental caries, and the dental caries filling ratio serve as key indicators for assessing the status of deciduous teeth caries.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eResults\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall, the prevalence of dental caries and the dmft index among children aged 3 to 5 years in Beijing has exhibited a consistent and gradual downward trend from 2013 to 2023. The dental caries filling ratio for children aged 3, 4, and 5 years showed a significant upward trend from 2013 to 2019, while the change from 2020 to 2023 did not reach a statistically significant level.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConclusions\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOver the past 11 years, the prevalence of dental caries among children aged 3 to 5 years in Beijing has exhibited a general downward trend.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Trends and Prevalence of Dental Caries in Children Aged 3 to 5 Years in Beijing, 2013 to 2023: A Cross-Sectional Study","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2026-01-28 03:13:44","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-8162814/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0},{"type":"decision","content":"Revision requested","date":"2026-02-16T04:10:35+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2026-02-11T02:45:42+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2026-02-10T17:28:33+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2026-01-30T11:47:53+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"84387372843777227219126046069362174716","date":"2026-01-29T17:44:04+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"171907114857078195036126740279612535107","date":"2026-01-27T04:05:16+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"47917256986917178221832529469166820274","date":"2026-01-25T22:34:54+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"262454333837358929959306047790710408585","date":"2026-01-25T14:26:54+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"50492168947150006814619050444446215082","date":"2026-01-23T09:43:49+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"312141950478723599186126668936973455145","date":"2026-01-23T07:56:10+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewersInvited","content":"","date":"2026-01-23T07:09:25+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvited","content":"","date":"2025-12-22T20:17:48+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorAssigned","content":"","date":"2025-11-22T07:11:13+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"checksComplete","content":"","date":"2025-11-22T07:09:42+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"submitted","content":"BMC Oral Health","date":"2025-11-20T09:09:44+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"bmc-oral-health","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"ohea","sideBox":"Learn more about [BMC Oral Health](http://bmcoralhealth.biomedcentral.com/)","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"https://www.editorialmanager.com/ohea/default.aspx","title":"BMC Oral Health","twitterHandle":"BMC_series","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"em","reportingPortfolio":"BMC Series","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"c0b642c7-9b63-4589-9037-516e19db8579","owner":[],"postedDate":"January 28th, 2026","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"published-in-journal","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2026-03-23T16:01:29+00:00","versionOfRecord":{"articleIdentity":"rs-8162814","link":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-026-08131-x","journal":{"identity":"bmc-oral-health","isVorOnly":false,"title":"BMC Oral Health"},"publishedOn":"2026-03-19 15:58:43","publishedOnDateReadable":"March 19th, 2026"},"versionCreatedAt":"2026-01-28 03:13:44","video":"","vorDoi":"10.1186/s12903-026-08131-x","vorDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-026-08131-x","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-8162814","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-8162814","identity":"rs-8162814","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"XKTyCvWXoU3ODBz1xrDgd","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}