Early childhood caries prevalence and associated risk factors among Saudi preschool children in Riyadh

AimTo determine the prevalence of early childhood caries (ECC) and investigate the effect of associated risk factors on ECC prevalence in preschool children in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included Saudi preschoolers aged 36–71 months. Parents/guardians completed a structured, self-administered questionnaire assessing sociodemographics; medical, dental, and dietary history; and oral hygiene practices. Children were orally examined for dental caries, oral hygiene, and plaque deposition.ResultsA total of 383 children were examined. ECC prevalence was 72.6%, with a mean decayed, missing, and filled teeth (dmft) score of 4.13 (±3.99) and a mean decayed, missing, and filled surfaces (dmfs) score of 7.0 (±9.1). Children from schools in northern Riyadh and those of fathers in professional jobs were less likely to have ECC (OR: 0.203; 95% CI: 0.082–0.503)] and (OR: 0.472; 95% CI: 0.256–0.871)], respectively. Children with a nocturnal feeding history and poor oral hygiene were more likely to have ECC (OR: 2.281; 95% CI: 1.143–4.553)] and (OR: 5.523; 95% CI: 2.269–13.441)], respectively.ConclusionsThe prevalence of ECC in preschool children in Riyadh is high and affected by parental socioeconomic factors, infant feeding practices, and children’s oral hygiene status.