OBJECTIVETo evaluate the differences in temperament between children with early childhood caries (ECC) and an age-matched children without ECC.

METHODSA total of 219 3-year-old children were selected in urban areas of Beijing, who were physically and mentally healthy. There were 109 children in ECC group, who had unfilled caries in 1 or more surfaces in primary maxillary anterior teeth, and 110 children without caries. The children were examined for ECC levels, and their parents were asked to complete the NYLS Temperament Scale questionnaire. Then the data was collected and analyzed.

RESULTSChildren with difficult, intermediate high or slow-to-warm-up temperament had more severe caries than children with easy or intermediate low temperament. There was a significant difference in temperament attribute "Activity level" between male children with ECC and without ECC. There was a significant difference in temperament attribute "Rhythmicity" between female children with ECC and without ECC.

CONCLUSIONSThere were some differences in temperament between 3-year-old children with ECC and without ECC in urban areas of Beijing.