Correlation between children’s oral health status and parents’ oral health literacy: a cross-sectional study in a Spanish population

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ABSTRACT

Aim

This study aimed at analysing the oral health status of children aged 1–9 years and explore its correlation with parental oral health knowledge.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted at the University of Salamanca involving 200 child–parent pairs. Children’s oral health was assessed using the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth Index (DMFT), the Decayed and Filled Teeth Index (dft), and the Dental Health Component of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (DHC-IOTN). Parents completed a 25-item questionnaire on oral health knowledge and practices.

Results

The mean DMFT was 1.65 (±1.71) and the mean dft 1.11 (±1.43). Half of the children were caries-free in primary dentition, and one-third in permanent dentition. No significant overall correlations emerged between DMFT, dft, and IOTN. However, parental knowledge on brushing frequency, brushing time, first dental visit, and fluoride use showed significant associations with children’s caries indices and orthodontic status.

Conclusion

Although global correlations were not significant, specific parental knowledge and behaviours showed significant associations with children’s caries indices and orthodontic status.

Statistics

Descriptive statistics were computed; Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients assessed associations between numerical variables; group comparisons used ANOVA, Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney tests (α=0.05).

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