Risk factors for dental caries in Turkish preschool children.

The aim of this study was to evaluate risk factors of dental caries in preschool children in Istanbul. Five nursery schools in Istanbul were included and results of 598 students' were collected. Subjects were orally examined. Socio-demographic data were obtained from the records and from parents. Oral examination data were recorded on examination forms in accordance with the WHO criteria. Bivariate analyses were conducted using chi-square test Multivariate analyses were then performed to estimate the simultaneous impact of the independent variables on dft. Logistic regression analysis was performed in stages. In the study, while although the percentage of children had 60% caries and 0 results at the age of 3, this percentage drops to 15.3% at the age 6. 36%Thirty-six percent of the students have insufficient oral hygiene. Statistically meaningful difference was ascertained in chi-square analysis related to age, mother's education level, and father's occupation. When the variables with statistically meaningful difference are estimated with logistic regression analysis, the age and father's father's occupation turned out to be the risk indicators that affect dft level.