Wpływ czynników związanych z rodzicami na stan higieny i uzębienia dzieci i młodzieży

Abstract

Introduction. Healthy behaviours of parents determine their attitudes related to the protection of both their own as well as their children’s oral health. Aim. To assess the influence of socio-demographic factors and parental dental anxiety on health-related behaviours as well as the relationship between parental factors and the status of oral hygiene and dentition in children. Material and methods. Oral hygiene status (OHI-S) and caries levels (dmft/DMFT) were evaluated in patients aged between 3 and 18 years, treated in the Paediatric Dentistry Department in the Warsaw Medical University. Parents were asked to complete a questionnaire on socio-economic factors, healthy dental behaviour and dental anxiety (using the Polish version of Modified Dental Anxiety Scale – MDAS). Statistical analysis was performed (Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient, Mann-Whitney U test). The level of significance was p < 0.05. Results. A total of 88 patients aged 3-15 years (mean age 8.73 ± 4.28 years) and their parents were included in the study. Moderate dental anxiety was found in 28.4%, while high and extreme anxiety in 23.7% of respondents. Age, sex and the level of dental fear were negatively correlated, whereas the level of parental education was positively correlated with healthy behaviours. The level of education and the socioeconomic status were negatively correlated with DT. The level of dental fear was positively correlated with OHI-S and the level of caries in deciduous dentition. Regular dental check-ups, the use of additional means of dental prophylaxis and hygiene, as well as the use of fluoride toothpaste were negatively correlated with the level of caries in both deciduous and permanent dentition. Conclusions. Children’s oral health and hygiene status depends on the health-related behaviours of their parents, which can be modified by socioeconomic factors and the level of dental anxiety.