Abstract: Objective To analyze the periodontal status and its associated factors in 6- to 12-year-old children in the Nanjing area, with the aim of providing a reference for the prevention and treatment of periodontal disease in this demographic. Methods A multi-stage stratified random sampling method was employed to select primary school children aged 6-12 years from three districts (Jiangning, Xuanwu, and Pukou) in Nanjing for an oral health survey. The periodontal health status and oral health behaviors of the children were assessed in accordance with the methodology and standards of the 4th National Oral Health Epidemiological Survey, supplemented by a questionnaire. Results A total of 3 612 children were included in the study, comprising 1 927 males (53.35%) and 1 685 females (46.45%). The prevalence of gingival bleeding was 43.13% (1 558 cases), dental calculus was 42.52% (1 536 cases), and periodontal pockets were detected in 0.69% (25 cases). A state of periodontal health was observed in 2 044 children, corresponding to a periodontal health rate of 56.59%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that age (OR=0.570, 95% CI: 0.378-0.860), parental education level (OR=1.473, 95% CI: 1.182-1.834), daily tooth brushing frequency (OR= 3.808, 95% CI: 1.921-7.546), duration of each brushing session (OR=2.869, 95% CI: 1.096-7.511), time since the last dental examination (OR=0.439, 95% CI: 0.220-0.873), use of fluoridated toothpaste (OR=2.032, 95% CI: 1.751-2.358), use of dental floss (OR=1.499, 95% CI: 1.216-1.849), malocclusion (OR=0.460, 95% CI: 0.293-0.724), frequency of sweet food consumption (OR=0.325, 95% CI: 0.126-0.833), as well as oral health knowledge (OR=1.790, 95% CI: 1.236-2.592) and attitude (OR=1.878, 95% CI: 1.137-3.101) were independent factors correlated with periodontal health in children aged 6-12 years (all P<0.05). Conclusion The periodontal health status of 6- to 12-year-old children in the Nanjing area requires further improvement. Gingival bleeding and dental calculus are particularly prevalent, indicating significant periodontal health challenges. To enhance the periodontal well-being of children, it is imperative to promote better dietary habits and oral hygiene practices, advocate for the use of fluoridated toothpaste and dental floss, and intensify oral health education initiatives.

Key words: Children, Periodontal health, Gingival bleeding, Dental calculus, Influencing factors