The Effects of Socioeconomic Status, Parental Education Level, Oral and Dental Health Practices, Dietary Habits and Anthropometric Measurements on Dental Health in 12-Year-Old School Children

Abstract

Background Dental caries is the most common progressive chronic disease in school-age children with an increasing prevalence as children grow up. This study aims to examine the effects of socioeconomic status, parental education level, oral and dental health practices, dietary habits and anthropometric measurements on dental health in 12-year-old schoolchildren. Methods The sample of the study consisted of 254 children (44.1% boys and 55.9% girls) in three schools, which were identified as low, moderate and high socioeconomic status. Results It was found that 70.9% of the children have dental caries on their permanent teeth. The frequency of seeing a dentist, the status of receiving oral and dental health education and the frequency of changing toothbrush vary according to the socioeconomic status. Oral and dental health indicators were determined to be affected by the frequency and duration of tooth brushing. It was found that dmft values of the children consuming molasses and table sugar are higher. There is a negative correlation between oral and dental health indicators and anthropometric measurements and parental education level. Conclusions Dietary habits, anthropometric measurements, oral and dental health practices, gender, and parental socioeconomic status and education level were shown to be effective on caries risk.