RESUMO
The purpose of this study was to determine the protective factors that contribute to the prevention of children aged 0-5 years from developing dental cavities. The oral hygiene practices of 266 children aged 0-5 years were assessed through surveys administered from 2019 to 2022 to identify clinical, dietary, social and parental factors. The Partial Least Squares (PLS) Regression and Artificial Neuron Networks (ANN) Models were used to determine protective factors associated with the prevention of dental cavities in children. The race distribution of the children as identified by caregivers is as follows: (1) Black or African-American (53.4%); (2) Asian (25.9%); (3) White (18.4%); and (4) Native American (2.3%). We found behavioral protective factors to significantly affect the oral health outcome (cavities) among children aged 0-5 years (p < 0.05). We also found that children whose parents/caregivers flossed their teeth were less likely to develop cavities. In addition, children were least likely to have cavities if their parents/caregivers used toothpaste and mouthwash, avoided sharing chewed food, and refrained from drinking 100% juice. In contrast, children were more likely to obtain cavities if their parents/caregivers had a lower education level, rarely cleaned their teeth, and often consumed marijuana, cow or goat milk, juice drinks and sugary beverages. The education level of parents, and on the contrary, oral hygiene practices of the family, play a significant role in influencing the prevalence of cavities in children aged 0-5 years.