Title: Association of calcium levels and phosphorus concentrations on early childhood caries development among kindergarten-aged children in Gainesville, Florida Background and Significance-- ---Severe early childhood caries (S -ECC) greatly affects the overall health and well-being of young children. Quality of life is reduced among individuals diagnosed with S-ECC. This can lead to pain, sleep disturbances and changes in behavior. Young children with severe decay may also have changes in their eating habits in addition to preferences for particular foods. Therefore, untreated dental caries tends to compromise nutritional health. Several reports have revealed that some children may suffer from varying degrees of malnutrition, particularly anemia and low iron concentrations, and have changed growth patterns that affect both height and body mass index. Therefore, individuals with S-ECC≥ are also likely to lack important vitamins and nutrients, including calcium and phosphate (Schroth, et al., 2013). Furthermore, parathyroid hormone (PTH) has a significant influence on bone cells and controls the concentration of calcium and phosphorus in the blood and bones. Therefore, it is essential to determine the association between calcium levels and phosphorus concentration on the development of early childhood caries in young children, particularly in kindergarten children. Specific objectives (limited to two)1. The purpose of this study is to determine the association between calcium levels and phosphorus concentration on the development of early childhood caries in young children, particularly in kindergarten children.2. Secondly, it is of great importance to understand the central parts of the document, which are difficult to control, as they are fundamental in explaining why children are at risk of tooth decay. Significance of the Study: Knowledge on this topic is limited, although evidence suggests that young children with S-ECC are at high risk of malnutrition. It is of great importance to determine the association between calcium levels and phosphorus concentration on the development of dental caries among kindergarten-age children in Gainesville, Florida. As a result of these findings, it may be helpful for healthcare providers to carefully consider calcium levels and phosphorus concentrations when evaluating a child's overall oral health. Works Cited Schroth, R., Levi, J., Sellers, E., Friel, J ., Kliewer, E., & Moffatt, M. (2013). Vitamin D status of children with severe caries in early childhood: a case-control study. BMC Pediatrics, 174-182.