RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Untreated dental caries can result a negative impact on oral health-related quality of life. AIMS: The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of dental caries and associated factors in children enrolled in public preschools in the city of Recife, Brazil. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A descriptive, analytical, cross-sectional study was conducted with a representative random sample of 556 children aged 3-5 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were collected through clinical examinations using the International Caries Detection and Assessment System. The parents answered a questionnaire addressing sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics. Two examiners underwent training and calibration exercise for the calculation of interexaminer agreement (Kappa index of 0.83). STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: In addition to descriptive data, an inductive decision tree was constructed to analyze the results (Algorithm J48; α = 5%). RESULTS: The prevalence of dental caries was 92.1%. The following factors were associated with dental caries: brushing performed by the child (prevalence ratio [PR] = 4.39, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.57-7.51 P < 0.001), household income less than the minimum wage (PR = 1.79; 95% CI: 1.18-2.72, P = 0.005), brushing frequency (PR = 1.50; CI 95%: 0.50-4.49; P = 0.001), and parent's/caregiver's school equal to an incomplete elementary school education (PR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.56-1.74, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of dental caries in children was high and was associated with brushing performed by the child, household income less than the monthly minimum wage, low brushing frequency, and low parent's/caregiver's schooling.