Background/purpose: The prevalence of early childhood caries (ECC) was 56% and
68.97% in Taiwan and Southern Taiwan, respectively. Children with severe caries suffer from
health and growth problems, and to prevent the development of severe caries, possible risk
factors must be identified. Oral health practices and the knowledge of primary caregivers
regarding basic oral health were the main factors associated with the development of severe
ECC (S-ECC). The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and habits of primary caregivers
with regard to oral health.
Materials and methods: Children, aged 2e5 years old, with S-ECC (n Z 101) who visited the
Division of Dentistry of Children and Disabled of Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital were
recruited for this survey. Habits and knowledge related to oral hygiene were obtained with
a standardized questionnaire completed by the primary caregivers of children with S-ECC.
The data were analyzed using Microsoft Access software and JMP statistical software. Chisquare
test, ANOVA, and linear regression were used for statistical comparison.