Caries Activity and Its Associated Factors Among Primary Caregivers of Preschool Children

This study aimed to investigate the caries activity and associated factors among primary caregivers of preschoolers.

This cross-sectional study included 251 primary caregivers who were responsible for the daily care of preschool children. Caries activity of caregivers and children was evaluated using the Cariostat kit. Additionally, caregivers' dental caries, oral hygiene status, oral health-related behaviors, and sociodemographics were collected. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were performed to identify independent factors.

The mean Cariostat score for participants was 1.57 ± 0.43, and 33.1% (n = 83) of caregivers had Cariostat score over 1.5. Primary caregivers who cared for children with high Cariostat scores were more likely to have high Cariostat scores themselves (p < 0.001). After adjustment, high caries activity was independently associated with DMFT ≥5 (OR = 2.31, 95% CI: 1.08-4.94), snacking ≥3 times/day (OR = 2.96, 1.41-6.28), grandparent caregivers (OR = 9.65, 2.18-68.70), and children under their care with high Cariostat scores (OR = 4.05, 2.09-7.97).

Caregivers' caries activity was associated with their own caries status, snacking frequency, and their children's caries activity levels. Family-based interventions targeting snacking consumption and caries management are recommended.