Investigation of the relationship between different parental behaviors determined using the multidimensional assessment of parenting scale rating scale and dental anxiety and oral-dental health in children

ABSTRACT Investigation of the Relationship Between Different Parental Behaviors Determined Using the Multidimensional Assessment of Parenting Scale Rating Scale and Dental Anxiety and Oral-Dental Health in Children Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between different parenting behaviors determined using the Multidimensional Assessment of Parenting Scale (MAPS) and children's dental anxiety levels and oral-dental health. Material and Method: The study included 605 systemically healthy patients and their parents between the ages of 6-12, who applied to the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, between May 2023 and May 2024 for examination and who would have their first dental experience. In the first part of the study, demographic data of children and parents, and data on children's oral and dental health and nutritional habits were recorded based on information obtained from their parents. Then, the 34-question MAPS was administered to the parents to determine their parenting behaviors. The MCDAS-f scale and dental anxiety questionnaire were administered to children to determine their dental anxiety levels. In the last section, children's oral examinations were performed and DMFT/dmft, PUFA/pufa, PI, GI, KI values were recorded. The obtained data were evaluated using Jamovi software version 2.3.28, accepting p<0.05 as the significance level. Results: Of the children participating in the study, 50% were girls (n=300) and 50% were boys (n=305). A negative correlation was found between proactive parenting and DMFT/dmft, PUFA/pufa, PI, GI and KI, and a negative correlation was found between proactive parenting with dental anxiety questionnaire and MÇDAS-y (r=-0.17, r=-0.13, p<0.001). A negative correlation was found between positive reinforcement and warm relationship and DMFT/dmft, PUFA/pufa, PI, GI and KI, and a negative correlation was found between them and dental anxiety questionnaire, but no significant relationship was recorded with MÇDAS-y (p>0.05). A negative correlation was calculated between supportive approach and DMFT/dmft, PUFA/pufa, PI, GI and CI and a negative correlation was calculated between supportive approach and dental anxiety questionnaire and MÇDAS-y (r=-0.21, r=-0.12, p<0.001). A positive correlation was found between hostility, low control and physical control and DMFT/dmft, PUFA/pufa, PI, GI and CI and a positive correlation was found between dental anxiety questionnaire and MÇDAS-y and hostility, physical control and low control. Strong positive correlations were observed between hostile attitudes of parents and comprehensive negative parenting dimension (r=0.78, p<0.001) and between low control and comprehensive negative parenting dimension (r=0.80, p<0.001). Conclusion: Strong relationships were found between parenting styles and children's dental anxiety levels and oral and dental health. It has been seen that with more positive parenting styles, children's dental anxiety levels can be reduced and they can achieve better oral and dental health. Key words: Dental anxiety, Oral and dental health, Parenting styles