ABSTRACT
Objective: To evaluate the determinant factors of dental caries in Indonesian children aged 8-12 years. Material and Methods: This study was observational and analytical with a cross-sectional design. A total of 114 children were selected using simple random sampling technique. Primary data was obtained from a questionnaire about tooth brushing habits, the use of toothpaste containing fluoride and cariogenic eating habits and data of dental caries obtained from direct observed by a dentist. Univariat data were analyzed using descriptive and bivariate data were analyzed using Chi-square tests. Results: The results obtained by 44.8% fair category of children who have toothbrushing habits, use of toothpaste containing fluoride was 100%, and 71% middle category children who have cariogenic eating habits. The most consumed cariogenic food was ice cream with 76.3% participants consumed it one to three times a week. The most eaten cariogenic foods every day in this sample were syroup/pop ice soft drink (42.1%). No significant association between gender and dental caries incidence was observed (p>0.05). Conclusion: There is significant association between tooth brushing habits with dental caries in Indonesian children aged 8-12 years at primary school in district of East Luwu Regency Tomoni.