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Background: Dental caries among preschool children is highly prevalent in many less-developed countries. Methods: A model which explored the factors related to children's dental caries was tested in this study using structural equation modeling. Caregivers of children aged 5 years were surveyed on their socioeconomic status, and their oral health knowledge, attitudes and practices. In addition, information on their children's oral health practices, dental insurance and dental service utilization were collected. Examination of caries was conducted on all children who returned fully completed questionnaires. Results: The results showed that socioeconomic factors influenced children's oral health practices through the impact of caregivers' oral health knowledge and practices; that caregivers' oral health knowledge affected children's oral health practices through the influence of caregivers' oral health attitudes and practices; and finally, that children's oral health practices were linked directly to their caries. Conclusion: The findings have important applications for promoting policies aimed at advancing children's oral health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]