Authors
Selin Saygili, Ahmet Eren Teker, Husna Sena Demir, Busra Mogul Bagci, Doga Naz Bahceci, Kadriye Peker, Yelda Kasimoglu
Published in
International journal of paediatric dentistry. Oct 02, 2026. Epub Oct 02, 2026.
Abstract
Parental oral health literacy (OHL) is a key determinant of early childhood oral health, yet its relationship with both subjective perceptions and clinical outcomes has not yet been fully elucidated.
To assess the factors associated with parental OHL of Turkish preschool children, and to explore its relationships with socio-demographic variables, children's oral health behaviors, parental self-ratings of children's oral health, oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), clinical outcomes, and parental psychological factors.
This cross-sectional study included 204 healthy children aged 3-5.99 years and their parents. OHL, OHRQoL, and psychosocial variables were assessed; clinical status was evaluated via dmft and gingival index.
Higher OHL was significantly associated with university education (p = 0.008), stronger family sense of coherence (p = 0.002), and confidence in completing hospital forms (p = 0.048). Larger household size (p = 0.009) and higher gingival index scores (p = 0.042) were negatively associated with OHL. These variables collectively explained 22.9% of the variance in OHL (p < 0.001).
Parental OHL is associated with educational, psychosocial, and clinical factors. These findings highlight the importance of promoting parental literacy levels through comprehensive oral health interventions.
PMID:
42827279
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 03 Oct 2026.
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