Abstract: Objective To analyze the status of dental caries among preschoolers in Nanchong City and explore its related factors, so as to provide reference for prevention and treatment of dental caries in preschoolers in Nanchong City. Methods In October 2020, four kindergartens were selected from three districts and one county-level city under the jurisdiction of Nanchong City. All preschoolers in the selected kindergartens were surveyed for dental caries and conducted oral examinations. The main guardians of the children were investigated by questionnaire on the eating habits and oral health care behaviors. Descriptive epidemiological analysis method was used to analyze, and univariate and multivariate analysis methods were used to analyze the influencing factors of dental caries in preschoolers. Results This study conducted a total of 1 026 preschoolers, boys accounted for 51.6%, aged 3 to 6 years old, with an average of （4.1±1.4） years old. The time to start brushing was mainly under 3 years old, accounting for 67.6%. A total of 341 preschoolers with dental caries were detected, and the prevalence rate was 33.2%. A total of 527 dental caries were detected, among which 243 dental caries were upper and lower deciduous molars, accounting for 46.1%; 195 dental caries were upper and lower deciduous incisors, accounting for 37.0%; and 89 dental caries were upper and lower deciduous canine teeth, accounting for 16.9%. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that the preschoolers with older age （OR=2.361）, the frequency of eating sweets> 6 times/week （OR=2.951）, and the time to start brushing ≥ 3 years old （OR=1.674） were at higher risk of dental caries, preschoolers who rinsed their mouth after meals frequently （OR=0.824）, brushed their teeth in the morning and evening （OR=0.424）, used fluoride toothpaste frequently （OR=0.410）, and had regular oral examinations （OR=0.692） were at lower risk of dental caries. Conclusion Dental caries is common among preschoolers in Nanchong City, which is affected by many factors such as eating habits and oral health care behavior. It is necessary to increase the publicity of oral health education, improve the awareness of oral health care of preschoolers, and urge them to establish a good diet and oral health care behavior.

Key words: Dental caries, Preschooler, Related factor, Eating habit, Oral health care behavior