Comparison of the oral health status, literacy and practices of caregivers with the oral health status of their children

Abstract

Objective: To determine whether the oral health status, literacy and related knowledge of caregivers influences the oral health status and practices of their children. Method: 50 children and 50 caregivers within the same family were examined clinically at the University Dental Teaching Clinic, Mater Dei Hospital under standard illumination using a mouth mirror, CPITN-C probes and compressed air for decayed, missing and filled teeth and plaque levels. Caregivers were given a self-administered questionnaire and an oral health literacy tool (REALD-30) and children were questioned about their oral hygiene methods. DMFT scores of all participants were collected and recorded. Participants were accepted according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: Caregivers presented with a higher DMFT than the children did. The overall toothbrushing frequency is lower in children compared to their caregivers. The majority of participants all presented with a plaque score of 1 (plaque on probing) and the oral hygiene of children was significantly worse than that of their caregivers (p=0.035). Moreover, there is a strong tendency that the higher the education level the more frequent the visits to the dentist. Conclusion: This study has provided evidence that overall oral health knowledge is high amongst caregivers while oral hygiene status is higher that that of their children. On the other hand, this study shows that there is a low level of oral health literacy in Malta amongst caregivers as proved from the REALD-30 test.