To analyze the application effect of comprehensive nursing combined with preventive nursing measures in children with dental caries. Methods A total of 70 children with dental caries admitted to Minda Hospital of Hubei Minzu University from May 2020 to May 2022 were selected as the research objects, and they were divided into control group and study group by random number table method, with 35 children in each group. The control group was treated with routine nursing, and the study group was treated with comprehensive nursing combined with preventive nursing measures. The periodontal indexes, severity of dental caries and recurrence were compared between the two groups. Results The periodontal probing depth, gingival sulcus bleeding index and plaque index of the two groups after nursing were lower than those before nursing, and those of the study group were lower than those of the control group (P <0.05). After nursing, the proportion of degree Ⅳ-Ⅴ dental caries in the study group was 11.43%, which was lower than 31.43% in the control group (P <0.05). The proportion of degree Ⅰ dental caries in the study group was 60.00%, which was higher than 28.57% in the control group (P <0.05). The recurrence rates of dental caries in the study group were 5.71% and 17.14% at 6 months and 1 year of follow-up, respectively, which were lower than 22.86% and 31.43% in the control group (P <0.05). Conclusion The application of comprehensive nursing combined with preventive nursing measures in children with dental caries is effective, which is beneficial to improve the severity of dental caries in children with dental caries, maintain a good periodontal environment, and reduce the risk of recurrence.